A nurse is assessing a newborn's head after a vaginal delivery. The nurse notes a soft, edematous area that crosses suture lines on the scalp. The parents ask how this differs from a cephalohematoma. Which of the following statements is correct?
Both caput succedaneum and cephalohematoma are superficial scalp swellings that are visible at birth, can cross suture lines, and generally resolve spontaneously within a few hours to a few days without any risk of complications.
Caput succedaneum is a collection of blood beneath the periosteum that is limited to a single cranial bone, does not cross suture lines, and may take several weeks to resolve, while cephalohematoma is a superficial scalp swelling caused by pressure during delivery that crosses suture lines and resolves within days
Caput succedaneum is usually firm and may be associated with bruising or ecchymosis of the scalp that develops within 24-48 hours after birth, while cephalohematoma is a soft, fluid-filled swelling of the scalp that crosses suture lines and resolves within a few days.
Caput succedaneum crosses suture lines and usually resolves within a few days without intervention, while cephalohematoma is a subperiosteal hemorrhage confined to one cranial bone that may take weeks to months to resolve and can slightly increase the risk of hyperbilirubinemia.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Both caput succedaneum and cephalohematoma are superficial scalp swellings that are visible at birth, can cross suture lines, and generally resolve spontaneously within a few hours to a few days without any risk of complications is incorrect. While caput succedaneum crosses suture lines and resolves quickly, cephalohematoma does not cross suture lines and takes longer to resolve.
B. Caput succedaneum is a collection of blood beneath the periosteum that is limited to a single cranial bone, does not cross suture lines, while cephalohematoma is a superficial scalp swelling that crosses suture lines is incorrect. This description reverses the characteristics of caput succedaneum and cephalohematoma. Caput succedaneum is a superficial edema that crosses suture lines, whereas cephalohematoma is a subperiosteal hemorrhage limited to one cranial bone.
C. Caput succedaneum is usually firm and may be associated with bruising or ecchymosis, while cephalohematoma is a soft swelling that crosses suture lines is incorrect. Caput succedaneum is soft and edematous, not firm, and cephalohematoma does not cross suture lines.
D. Caput succedaneum crosses suture lines and usually resolves within a few days without intervention, while cephalohematoma is a subperiosteal hemorrhage confined to one cranial bone that may take weeks to months to resolve and can slightly increase the risk of hyperbilirubinemia is correct. Caput succedaneum results from pressure on the fetal head during delivery, causing soft tissue edema, while cephalohematoma results from ruptured blood vessels under the periosteum and resolves more slowly, with a small risk of hyperbilirubinemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Bronchial smooth muscle relaxation and increased surfactant production is incorrect because asthma exacerbations are characterized by bronchoconstriction, not relaxation. Surfactant production is not the primary issue in asthma.
B. Acute upper airway infection leading to mucus obstruction in the sinuses is incorrect because while infections can trigger exacerbations, asthma itself is a lower airway disease involving the bronchi and bronchioles, not the sinuses.
C. Collapse of alveoli due to surfactant deficiency and impaired gas exchange is incorrect because this describes respiratory distress in premature infants (e.g., neonatal respiratory distress syndrome), not asthma.
D. Chronic airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and increased mucus production is correct because asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways. During an exacerbation, inflammation causes airway edema, bronchial smooth muscle constriction narrows the airway, and excess mucus further obstructs airflow, leading to symptoms like wheezing, cough, and chest tightness.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "Your baby should weigh about 15 lbs by now" is correct. When discussing infant growth, nurses refer to standard pediatric growth milestones, which indicate that a healthy, full-term infant typically doubles their birth weight by 4–6 months and triples it by 12 months. Since this infant weighed 7 lbs at birth, the expected weight at 6 months would be approximately 14 lbs, making “about 15 lbs” an accurate and reassuring estimate. This reflects adequate nutrition and normal metabolic development.
B. "Your baby should weigh about 25 lbs by now" is incorrect because this weight is significantly above the expected range for a 6-month-old. A 25-lb infant at this age would be unusual and could suggest measurement error or a rare growth disorder.
C. "Your baby should weigh about 20 lbs by now" is incorrect because 20 lbs corresponds to an older infant, likely 12–15 months old, and is too high for a 6-month-old who weighed 7 lbs at birth.
D. "Your baby should weigh about 10 lbs by now" is incorrect because 10 lbs is less than double the birth weight. If a 6-month-old weighed only 10 lbs, it could indicate growth delay, malnutrition, or other underlying health concerns, requiring further assessment.
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