A nurse is caring for a newborn delivered by vaginal birth with a vacuum assist. The newborn’s mother asks about the swollen area on her son’s head. After palpation to identify that the swelling crosses the suture line, which of the following is an appropriate response by the nurse?
“This is a cephalhematoma, which can occur spontaneously.”
“Caput succedaneum occurs due to compression of blood vessels.”
“This is erythema toxicum, which is a transient condition.”
“Mongolian spots can be found on the skin of many newborns.”
The Correct Answer is B
A. A cephalhematoma is a collection of blood under the periosteum that does not cross the suture lines and can take weeks to resolve.
B. Caput succedaneum occurs due to compression of blood vessels during delivery, resulting in edema and bruising of the scalp. It crosses the suture lines and usually resolves within a few days and does not cause any complications.
C. Erythema toxicum is a rash that is unrelated to head swelling.
D. Mongolian spots are blue-gray patches on the skin, not associated with head swelling.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Moderate bright red lochial flow on postpartum day 14 may indicate excessive bleeding and is not indicative of normal involution.
B. A fundus below the symphysis and nonpalpable suggests a well-contracted uterus, which is indicative of normal involution.
C. An episiotomy that is slightly red and puffy on day 14 may indicate ongoing healing, but it is not a direct measure of uterine involution.
D. Breasts that are firm and tender on postpartum day 14 may indicate engorgement, but they are not directly related to uterine involution.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Vernix caseosa is a white, cheese-like substance covering the baby's skin.
B. Erythema toxicum neonatorum is a benign rash that appears in the early days of life.
C. Harlequin sign is a transient color change in a newborn, not related to blue hands and feet.
D. Acrocyanosis is a common and temporary condition where the hands and feet may appear blue due to poor peripheral circulation. It is not typically a sign of coldness.
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