A nurse is assessing a newborn who was born vaginally with vacuum extractor assistance. The nurse notes swelling over the newborn's head that crosses the suture line. The nurse should identify the swelling as which of the following findings?
Nevus flammeus.
Caput succedaneum.
Cephalohematoma.
Erythema toxicum.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
Nevus flammeus, also known as a port-wine stain, is a flat, pink, red, or purple mark on the skin present at birth. It is a congenital vascular malformation and does not involve swelling that crosses suture lines.
Choice B reason:
Caput succedaneum is the correct diagnosis for swelling that crosses suture lines on a newborn's head, typically associated with a prolonged or difficult vaginal delivery, especially with the use of vacuum extraction.
Choice C reason:
Cephalohematoma is a collection of blood under the periosteum of the cranial bones that does not cross suture lines. It appears soon after birth and is usually caused by birth trauma.
Choice D reason:
Erythema toxicum is a common rash in newborns, presenting as red patches with small white or yellow pustules. It does not cause swelling over the head that crosses suture lines.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is A. Apply an ice pack to the affected area. Ice packs are recommended during the first 24 hours after birth to decrease swelling and help with pain.
Choice A reason: Applying an ice pack to the episiotomy site helps reduce swelling and provides pain relief. This is the standard care within the first 24 hours postpartum.
Choice B reason: A warm sitz bath is generally recommended after the first 24 hours following birth. It is not the best immediate action for unrelieved pain shortly after delivery.
Choice C reason: While maintaining cleanliness with a squeeze bottle of antiseptic solution is important for preventing infection, it does not provide the immediate pain relief needed for unrelieved episiotomy pain.
Choice D reason: Heat application, such as placing a hot pack, is not advised within the first 24 hours postpartum because it can increase the risk of swelling and bleeding.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Assisting the client to a sitz bath is not the priority action in this situation. The client has soaked two perineal pads in the past 30 minutes, indicating excessive bleeding, which requires immediate attention.
Choice B rationale:
Assessing the client's uterine tone is essential to determine if the uterus is contracting appropriately. Uterine atony, where the uterus fails to contract after childbirth, is a common cause of postpartum hemorrhage. Assessing the tone helps identify this issue and allows for timely interventions.
Choice C rationale:
Encouraging the client to breastfeed may have benefits such as promoting uterine contractions through oxytocin release. However, the priority in this scenario is addressing the potential postpartum hemorrhage.
Choice D rationale:
Applying an ice pack to the client's perineum may provide comfort, but it does not address the concerning symptom of excessive bleeding and potential postpartum hemorrhage.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.