A nurse is caring for a newborn delivered by vaginal birth after 3 hours of pushing.
The newborn’s mother asks about the swollen area on her son’s head.
After palpation and identification that the swelling does cross the suture line, which of the following is an appropriate response by the nurse?
“This is erythema toxicum, which is a transient condition.”.
“A caput succedaneum occurs due to prolonged pressure of the head against the cervix.”.
“Mongolian spots can be found on the skin of many newborns.”.
“This is a cephalhematoma, which can occur spontaneously.”. .
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Erythema toxicum is a common, benign rash in newborns but does not cause swelling that crosses suture lines.
Choice B rationale
A caput succedaneum is swelling of the scalp that crosses suture lines and is caused by prolonged pressure on the head during delivery.
Choice C rationale
Mongolian spots are benign, flat, congenital birthmarks with wavy borders and irregular shapes, typically found on the lower back and buttocks, not the head.
Choice D rationale
A cephalhematoma is a collection of blood between the skull bone and its periosteum that does not cross suture lines. .
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Monitoring blood glucose levels frequently is important for newborns, especially those at risk for hypoglycemia. However, it does not directly prevent jaundice. Jaundice is caused by elevated bilirubin levels, which are not directly related to blood glucose levels.
Choice B rationale
Beginning phototherapy immediately is a treatment for jaundice, not a preventive measure. Phototherapy is used to reduce high bilirubin levels in newborns who already have jaundice.
Choice C rationale
Initiating early feeding is an effective way to prevent jaundice in newborns. Early feeding helps promote regular bowel movements, which aids in the excretion of bilirubin from the body, thereby reducing the risk of jaundice.
Choice D rationale
Preparing for a blood transfusion is a treatment for severe jaundice, not a preventive measure. Blood transfusions are used in cases of extreme hyperbilirubinemia that do not respond to other treatments.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Small for gestational age (SGA) refers to newborns whose birth weight is below the 10th percentile for their gestational age.
Choice B rationale
Appropriate for gestational age (AGA) refers to newborns whose birth weight is between the 10th and 90th percentiles for their gestational age. A newborn weighing 3350 g at 39 weeks gestation falls within this range.
Choice C rationale
Low birth weight is defined as a birth weight of less than 2500 g, which does not apply to this newborn.
Choice D rationale
Large for gestational age (LGA) refers to newborns whose birth weight is above the 90th percentile for their gestational age.
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