A nurse is assessing a newborn’s head and notices a swelling on the right parietal area.
The nurse suspects that this is a cephalohematoma.
What is the most likely cause of this condition?
Birth trauma
Infection
Dehydration
Hemorrhage
The Correct Answer is A
Birth trauma. A cephalohematoma is a collection of blood under the scalp of a newborn that forms a bulge. It is caused by rupture of blood vessels crossing the periosteum due to pressure or trauma on the fetal head during birth. This pressure or trauma may result from a prolonged second stage of labor, instrumental delivery, particularly forceps delivery, ventouse application, or the baby’s head squeezing through the birth canal.
Choice B is wrong because infection is not a cause of cephalohematoma, but a potential complication that may occur in some cases.
Choice C is wrong because dehydration is not a cause of cephalohematoma, but a possible consequence of anemia, which may result from blood loss.
Choice D is wrong because hemorrhage is not a cause of cephalohematoma, but a synonym for bleeding, which is what happens when the blood vessels rupture.
Normal ranges for newborn cephalohematoma are not applicable, as it is an abnormal condition that varies in size and severity. However, most cephalohematomas resolve on their own without intervention within weeks or months.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Birth trauma.A cephalohematoma is a collection of blood under the scalp of a newborn that forms a bulge.It is caused by rupture of blood vessels crossing the periosteum due to pressure or trauma on the fetal head during birth.This pressure or trauma may result from a prolonged second stage of labor, instrumental delivery, particularly forceps delivery, ventouse application, or the baby’s head squeezing through the birth canal.
Choice B is wrong because infection is not a cause of cephalohematoma, but a potential complication that may occur in some cases.
Choice C is wrong because dehydration is not a cause of cephalohematoma, but a possible consequence of anemia, which may result from blood loss.
Choice D is wrong because hemorrhage is not a cause of cephalohematoma, but a synonym for bleeding, which is what happens when the blood vessels rupture.
Normal ranges for newborn cephalohematoma are not applicable, as it is an abnormal condition that varies in size and severity.However, most cephalohematomas resolve on their own without intervention within weeks or months.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Document the finding and monitor for resolution.Caput succedaneum is a harmless condition that causes swelling of the scalp due to pressure during delivery.It does not indicate any damage to the brain or the skull and usually resolves on its own within a few days.
Therefore, the nurse should document the finding and monitor for resolution.
Choice A is wrong because there is no need to notify the physician immediately.Caput succedaneum is not a medical emergency and does not require any intervention.
Choice C is wrong because applying ice packs to reduce swelling is not recommended.Ice packs can cause skin irritation, infection, or hypothermia in newborns.
Choice D is wrong because performing a neurological assessment is not necessary.Caput succedaneum does not affect the brain or the nervous system and does not cause any neurological symptoms.
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