A nurse is performing the neuromuscular maturity test on a newborn using the New Ballard Scale.

What does this test evaluate?

Thicker skin and absence of lanugo.Late preterm infants are born at a gestational age between 34 and 36 completed weeks of pregnancy.They have higher morbidity and mortality rates than term infants, but they also have some physical characteristics that distinguish them from very preterm or extremely preterm infants.

Choice B is wrong because leathery and cracked skin is a sign of postmaturity, not prematurity.

Choice C is wrong because underdeveloped breast buds and flat scrotum are signs of very preterm or extremely preterm infants, not late preterm infants.

Choice D is wrong because wrinkled and transparent skin are also signs of very preterm or extremely preterm infants, not late preterm infants.

Normal ranges for gestational age, weight, length and head circumference can be found in the table below:

Maturity.A higher score on the New Ballard Scale indicates that the newborn is more mature based on physical and neuromuscular characteristics.The scale can be used to estimate the gestational age of a newborn infant when there is no reliable obstetrical information or a major discrepancy between the estimated date of delivery and the infant’s appearance.The scale is accurate only within plus or minus 2 weeks and can be used up to 4 days after birth, but usually within the first 24 hours.

Choice A is wrong because prematurity means that the newborn is born before the normal term of pregnancy, which is usually less than 37 weeks of gestation.Premature infants have lower scores on the New Ballard Scale because they have less developed physical and neuromuscular features.

Choice B is wrong because developmental delays mean that the newborn has not reached certain milestones of growth and development that are expected for their age.

Developmental delays are not directly related to the gestational age of a newborn and cannot be assessed by the New Ballard Scale.

Choice C is wrong because neurological immaturity means that the newborn has not developed sufficient brain function and nervous system activity that are necessary for survival and adaptation.

Neurological immaturity is not the same as neuromuscular maturity, which is one of the components of the New Ballard Scale.Neuromuscular maturity refers to the posture, tone, reflexes, and movements of the newborn’s muscles and joints.