NCC NNP-BC study plan

Build a one-page decision map for neonatal respiratory distress that links each sign (tachypnea, grunting, retractions, nasal flaring, cyanosis) to the underlying pathophysiology

Outline the NRP-style resuscitation sequence from initial assessment through chest compressions and epinephrine, and annotate the point at which each step changes

Explain the physiology of surfactant deficiency and the rationale for CPAP versus intubation in a preterm infant with respiratory distress syndrome

Describe how to set up and interpret pre- and post-ductal SpO2 screening for critical congenital heart disease in the delivery room

Differentiate transient tachypnea of the newborn, meconium aspiration syndrome, pneumonia, and air leak syndromes by presentation, timing, and radiographic pattern

Calculate and interpret the oxygenation index and describe when inhaled nitric oxide is indicated in persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn

Explain the indications, settings, and complications of conventional and high-frequency ventilation in neonates

Practice a timed 15-question respiratory and resuscitation set and review every missed item to its physiologic root cause

Interpret fetal heart rate tracings using the three-tier category system and state the required nursing action for each category

Explain the physiology behind late decelerations, variable decelerations, and prolonged decelerations and match each to intrauterine resuscitation measures

Describe the transition from fetal to neonatal circulation, including closure timing of the ductus arteriosus, foramen ovale, and ductus venosus

Differentiate cyanotic and acyanotic congenital heart lesions by shunt direction, ductal dependency, and expected timing of presentation

Explain how prostaglandin E1 works and which lesions require it emergently

Identify the clinical signs of sepsis in a neonate and explain why early-onset and late-onset sepsis differ in organisms and timing

Describe the full sepsis evaluation, including culture technique, lumbar puncture indications, and empiric antibiotic selection

Explain the maternal risk factors that drive group B streptococcus prophylaxis and the newborn observation periods that follow

Interpret common dysrhythmias and murmurs in the newborn and state which require immediate echocardiography

Complete a cumulative review of weeks 1 through 4 and score your performance honestly

Explain the physiology of neonatal jaundice, distinguishing physiologic, breastfeeding-related, and hemolytic causes, and state the treatment thresholds for phototherapy and exchange transfusion

Describe the assessment and staged management of necrotizing enterocolitis, including feeding cessation and surgical indications

Calculate maintenance fluids, glucose infusion rate, and electrolyte replacement for a preterm infant and explain how insensible losses change the plan

Interpret a blood gas and a basic metabolic panel to classify respiratory versus metabolic acidosis and identify the compensation expected

Explain the risk factors, evaluation, and management of hypoglycemia in the newborn

Describe the neonatal neurologic exam, including tone, reflexes, and level of alertness, and differentiate hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy stages

Explain therapeutic hypothermia eligibility criteria, timing window, and nursing monitoring during cooling and rewarming

Interpret a complete blood count and coagulation panel in a neonate and distinguish anemia, polycythemia, and thrombocytopenia causes

Explain hemolytic disease of the newborn, including Rh and ABO incompatibility, direct Coombs testing, and exchange transfusion indications

Describe screening, presentation, and treatment of congenital hypothyroidism and congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Recognize common dysmorphic features and cluster them into recognizable syndromes, describing the associated anomalies for each

Explain the difference between screening and diagnostic genetic testing and describe when each is appropriate in the newborn period

Describe family-centered care principles, including developmental care, kangaroo care, and shared decision-making in the neonatal intensive care unit

Explain informed consent, confidentiality, and scope-of-practice considerations for the neonatal nurse practitioner

Describe quality improvement methods used in neonatal units and how to interpret a unit-level outcome measure

Complete two full-length timed practice exams under test-day conditions and record domain-level scores for each

Re-review every missed item across all domains and rewrite the underlying rule in your own words

Recite from memory the highest-yield numbers: resuscitation epinephrine dose, glucose infusion rate targets, phototherapy thresholds, and therapeutic hypothermia window

Build a final one-page summary of the concepts you missed most often and rehearse it aloud