A nurse is assessing a newborn who was born vaginally with vacuum extractor assistance. The nurse notes swelling over the newborn's head that crosses the suture line. The nurse should identify the swelling as which of the following findings?
Nevus flammeus.
Caput succedaneum.
Cephalohematoma.
Erythema toxicum.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
Nevus flammeus, also known as a port-wine stain, is a flat, pink, red, or purple mark on the skin present at birth. It is a congenital vascular malformation and does not involve swelling that crosses suture lines.
Choice B reason:
Caput succedaneum is the correct diagnosis for swelling that crosses suture lines on a newborn's head, typically associated with a prolonged or difficult vaginal delivery, especially with the use of vacuum extraction.
Choice C reason:
Cephalohematoma is a collection of blood under the periosteum of the cranial bones that does not cross suture lines. It appears soon after birth and is usually caused by birth trauma.
Choice D reason:
Erythema toxicum is a common rash in newborns, presenting as red patches with small white or yellow pustules. It does not cause swelling over the head that crosses suture lines.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Keeping the newborn dressed while receiving phototherapy is not recommended because the baby's skin needs to be exposed to the light to effectively treat hyperbilirubinemia. Direct exposure to light helps break down the excess bilirubin in the baby's blood, leading to its excretion.
Choice B rationale:
Applying lotion to the skin twice daily is contraindicated during phototherapy. Lotions and creams can block the light from reaching the skin and hinder the therapeutic effects of the phototherapy. The baby's skin should remain exposed to the light for optimal treatment.
Choice C rationale:
Maintaining an eye mask over the newborn's eyes is essential during phototherapy. The eyes are sensitive to light, and prolonged exposure to the phototherapy light can lead to eye damage. Using an eye mask protects the baby's eyes while allowing the rest of the body to receive the necessary light treatment.
Choice D rationale:
Maintaining the phototherapy during blood draws is crucial to ensure continuous treatment of hyperbilirubinemia. Interrupting the phototherapy during blood draws might result in the rebound of bilirubin levels, which can be harmful to the baby.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This finding may indicate a neurological problem or an issue with the baby's ability to feed, which can lead to inadequate nutrition and hydration. It's essential for the newborn to establish good feeding patterns early on
Choice B rationale:
Blue coloring of the hands and feet, also known as acrocyanosis, is a common and normal finding in newborns. It results from the immaturity of the peripheral circulation and usually resolves on its own without any intervention.
Choice C rationale:
A soft, edematous area on the scalp, also known as caput succedaneum, is a common finding following vacuum-assisted delivery and typically resolves without intervention.
Choice D rationale:
Facial edema is another common finding in newborns, especially after vacuum-assisted deliveries. It is typically a transient and self-resolving condition that does not require immediate intervention or reporting to the provider.
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