Major cause of neonatal mortality rate in India in 2026 ?

Appeared in: UPUMS Nsg officer-2023

Explanation

The neonatal period (first 28 days of life) is the most vulnerable time for a child's survival.
While preterm birth LBW and prematurity is the leading cause of neonatal death( 49.6%)
other factors like birth asphyxia and birth injuries are also (17.4%)contributors.
Because Preterm birth, LBW, and prematurity are all classified as major causes of neonatal death, the most complete and accurate option is 'All of the above'.

Option A: This option is incomplete. While LBW is a significant cause of neonatal mortality, it is not the only one. Preterm birth and prematurity are also major contributors.
Option B: This option is incomplete. prematurity is a leading cause of death, especially around the time of birth.
Option C: This option is incomplete. Although preterm birth is the single leading cause of neonatal mortality, LBW and prematurity are also classified as major causes that contribute significantly to the overall rate.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The primary causes contributing to the neonatal mortality rate as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A nurse's role is critical in reducing neonatal mortality through health education, quality antenatal care, skilled attendance at delivery, and immediate newborn care.
Key nursing actions include promoting antenatal check-ups to identify at-risk pregnancies, preparing for and performing neonatal resuscitation in cases of prematurity and providing specialized care for preterm and low-birth-weight infants (e.g., Kangaroo Mother Care, thermoregulation).

How to Approach the Question

First, understand the question's core concept: it asks for the 'major cause' of neonatal mortality.
Next, analyze the options provided: LBW, prematurity and Preterm birth.
Recall or deduce from your knowledge that the neonatal period is the first 28 days of life and is a high-risk period.
Evaluate each option's validity. You should recognize that all three are indeed significant causes of death in newborns.
Notice the fourth option: 'All of the above'. When this option is present and you've identified that multiple other options are correct, it is a very strong candidate for the right answer.
Conclude that since preterm birth, LBW, and prematurity are all major causes, the most comprehensive and correct choice is 'All of the above'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-232 of 464) pp. 63-65, 64-66, 33-35

Practise the full UPUMS Nsg officer-2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.