NCC Maternal Newborn Nursing Practice Exam

The primary focus of the neurological assessment during the newborn exam is on motor skills and reflexes. This assessment is crucial for determining the newborn's neurological status and ensuring that their nervous system is functioning properly. Motor skills observe the infant's ability to move and respond to stimuli, while reflexes, such as the Moro reflex or the rooting reflex, are key indicators of neurological development.

Assessing motor skills and reflexes provides insight into how well the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, is working after birth. The presence and strength of these reflexes give valuable information about the development of the newborn’s brain and how well they can respond to their environment.

Other options such as weight and length, while important for assessing overall growth and health, do not specifically evaluate neurological function. Similarly, bone density and heart rate variability concern aspects of physical health and cardiovascular status, rather than directly assessing neurological integrity. Therefore, motor skills and reflexes are the primary indicators in a neurological assessment of the newborn.