What is the result of hypothermia in the newborn?

Choice A: This is incorrect because lanugo is a fine, downy hair that covers the fetus in utero. It usually disappears by the 36th week of gestation, but it may persist in some preterm infants. Lanugo helps to retain body heat and protect the skin from amniotic fluid. Lanugo is not a sign of postmaturity, but of prematurity or intrauterine growth restriction.

Choice B: This is incorrect because a short, chubby appearance is typical of a term infant, who is born between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation. A term infant has a well-developed subcutaneous fat layer that gives them a rounded shape and smooth skin. A term infant also has a head circumference that is proportional to their body length and weight. A short, chubby appearance is not a sign of postmaturity, but of normal development.

Choice C: This is incorrect because vernix caseosa is a white, cheesy substance that covers the fetus in utero. It usually decreases by the 40th week of gestation, but it may remain in some term infants, especially in the skin folds. Vernix caseosa helps to moisturize and protect the skin from amniotic fluid and infection. Vernix caseosa is not a sign of postmaturity, but of term or near-term gestation.

Choice D: This is the correct answer because cracked, peeling skin is a common sign of postmaturity, which occurs when the infant is born after 42 weeks of gestation. A postmature infant has a loss of subcutaneous fat and water that results in dry, wrinkled, and desquamated skin. A postmature infant also has a large head circumference that is disproportionate to their body length and weight. Cracked, peeling skin indicates prolonged exposure to amniotic fluid and placental insufficiency.

Choice a) I will be certain to empty the litter boxes regularly is incorrect because this is a risky behavior for a pregnant woman who wants to prevent toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, which can be found in the feces of cats and other animals. If a pregnant woman gets infected with toxoplasmosis, she can pass it to her unborn baby, which can cause serious problems such as miscarriage, stillbirth, or birth defects. Therefore, a pregnant woman should avoid contact with cat litter and let someone else handle the litter boxes, or wear gloves and wash her hands thoroughly if she has to do it herself.

Choice b) I have to wash all of my fruits and vegetables is correct because this is a good practice for a pregnant woman who wants to prevent toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis can also be transmitted through contaminated soil or water, which can adhere to fruits and vegetables. Therefore, a pregnant woman should wash all of her fruits and vegetables before eating them, and peel or cook them if possible, to remove any traces of the parasite.

Choice c) I won't eat raw eggs is correct because this is another good practice for a pregnant woman who wants to prevent toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis can also be acquired through eating undercooked or raw meat or eggs that contain the parasite. Therefore, a pregnant woman should avoid eating raw eggs or any foods that contain them, such as mayonnaise, mousse, or homemade ice cream, and cook all of her meat and eggs thoroughly until they are no longer pink or runny.

Choice d) I need to be cautious when cooking meat is correct because this is also an important practice for a pregnant woman who wants to prevent toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis can also be spread through handling raw meat that contains the parasite. Therefore, a pregnant woman should be careful when cooking meat and use separate utensils and cutting boards for raw and cooked meat, wash her hands and surfaces after touching raw meat, and avoid tasting raw meat while cooking it.