A nurse is collecting data from a newborn and notes a swollen area on the head that does not cross the suture line. The nurse should document this finding as which of the following?
Cephalhematoma.
Nevus flammeus.
Caput succedaneum.
Molding.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Cephalhematoma is the correct answer because it presents as a swelling on the newborn's head confined to one cranial bone and does not cross suture lines. It usually resolves on its own within a few weeks to months but can increase the risk of jaundice due to the breakdown of red blood cells in the hematoma.
Choice B rationale:
Nevus flammeus, also known as a port-wine stain, is a type of vascular birthmark. It presents as a flat, pink, or red mark on the skin and does not involve swelling of the head. This choice is unrelated to the findings described in the question and is therefore incorrect.
Choice C rationale:
Caput succedaneum refers to a diffuse, soft tissue swelling of the scalp that does cross suture lines. It is caused by pressure on the head during delivery, leading to edema and bruising. It typically resolves within a few days after birth.
Choice D rationale:
Molding refers to the shaping of the fetal head during childbirth as it passes through the birth canal. It may cause temporary elongation or molding of the head, but it does not present as a localized swollen area. This choice is not applicable to the findings mentioned in the question and is thus incorrect.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The Moro reflex is a normal finding in newborns, including those born post-term. It is a primitive reflex that should be present and indicates a healthy neurological system.
Choice B rationale:
Vernix, a protective white substance that coats the skin in utero, is typically absent or minimal in post-term newborns due to its decreased production as gestation progresses. Therefore, it would not be expected in a post-term infant.
Choice C rationale:
Lanugo, the fine hair covering a newborn's body, is usually present in greater amounts in preterm infants. By the time a newborn is post-term, lanugo is typically sparse or absent, making it an unlikely finding.
Choice D rationale:
This maneuver assesses the flexibility of the newborn's joints. Post-term infants tend to have reduced flexibility and increased muscle tone, making this maneuver more difficult or restricted in this population.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
"This is a caput succedaneum, which is a collection of fluid from the pressure of the vacuum extractor.”.
Choice A rationale:
A Mongolian spot is a benign, flat, bluish-gray pigmented area often found on the sacral or gluteal area of some newborns with darker skin tones. It is not related to the swelling on the newborn's head caused by vacuum extraction.
Choice B rationale:
A caput succedaneum is a localized swelling on the baby's scalp that occurs due to pressure from the vacuum extractor during delivery. It is typically soft and may cross the suture lines. This explanation accurately describes the swelling the baby has on his head.
Choice C rationale:
Erythema toxicum is a common rash that appears as small red bumps with white or yellow centers. It is a benign and self-resolving condition that does not cause swelling on the head or involve the suture lines.
Choice D rationale:
A cephalhematoma is a collection of blood between the skull and the periosteum that does not cross the suture lines. It is caused by trauma during birth and may take weeks to months to resolve. This does not match the description of the swelling caused by vacuum extraction.
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