How do you prevent flat spots on the back of a baby's head?

A. Back to sleep: While placing babies on their backs to sleep is essential for reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), it does not prevent flat spots. Instead, tummy time while the baby is awake helps balance the time spent on their back.

B. Take the baby for walks: Taking a baby for walks is beneficial for overall development and stimulation but does not directly prevent flat spots on the head.

C. Keep them awake most of the day: This is not a safe or recommended practice. Babies need sufficient sleep for proper growth and development.

D. Tummy time helps prevent flat spots by reducing the amount of time the baby spends lying on their back. It also strengthens neck, shoulder, and arm muscles, encouraging the baby to move their head more freely and develop motor skills.

Choice A rationale:

(Incorrect) The newborn with significant bruising from a face presentation is at an increased risk of elevated unconjugated bilirubin levels. Bruising can lead to the breakdown of red blood cells, increasing bilirubin production.

Choice B rationale:

(Incorrect) The premature newborn is at a higher risk of elevated unconjugated bilirubin levels. Premature infants often have an underdeveloped liver, which can lead to reduced bilirubin processing and clearance.

Choice C rationale:

(Correct) The baby born at 41 weeks' gestation is at the lowest risk for elevated unconjugated bilirubin levels. By this stage, the baby's liver is more mature, allowing for efficient processing and clearance of bilirubin.

Choice D rationale:

(Incorrect) The newborn with O+ blood type, born to a mother with O- blood type, is at an increased risk of elevated unconjugated bilirubin levels if the baby's blood type is Rh-positive and the mother's is Rh-negative. This situation can lead to Rh incompatibility and hemolytic disease of the newborn, causing higher bilirubin levels.