Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam

When is the optimal time to perform a gestational age assessment for a neonate born at 26 weeks gestation?

1. 48-72 hours of age

2. After 72 hours of age

3. Within 12 hours of age

4. Within 24 hours of age

The correct answer is: Within 12 hours of age

Performing a gestational age assessment within 12 hours of age is optimal for a neonate born at 26 weeks gestation because this early assessment allows for accurate evaluation of the neonate's physical and neurologic maturity using standardized tools such as the Dubowitz or Ballard assessment. Assessing during this timeframe facilitates timely recognition of any potential complications associated with prematurity, enabling the healthcare team to implement necessary interventions sooner. In the immediate postnatal period, the neonate is still in a transitional state, and their physiology may reflect their gestational age more accurately within the first few hours after birth. Gestational age assessments conducted too late may miss critical assessment opportunities and thereby delay necessary management for growth, developmental support, and monitoring of complications common in preterm infants.