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. .
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["D","F","G","H"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Flexion of arms is a normal finding in newborns and does not indicate respiratory distress.
Choice B rationale
Caput succedaneum is a common condition where the scalp swells due to pressure during delivery. It does not indicate respiratory distress.
Choice C rationale
A heart rate of 158 bpm is within the normal range for newborns and does not indicate respiratory distress.
Choice D rationale
A respiratory rate of 66/min is above the normal range (30-60 breaths per minute) and indicates respiratory distress.
Choice E rationale
Acrocyanosis is common in newborns and does not indicate respiratory distress.
Choice F rationale
Subcostal retractions indicate increased work of breathing and are a sign of respiratory distress.
Choice G rationale
Nasal flaring is a sign of respiratory distress as it indicates increased effort to breathe.
Choice H rationale
Grunting is a sign of respiratory distress as it indicates difficulty in maintaining lung expansion.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Newborns are not born with fully developed immune responses. Their immune system is immature and continues to develop after birth. They rely on maternal antibodies for initial protection.
Choice B rationale
Newborns do not have a mature gut microbiome immediately after birth. The gut microbiome develops over time and is influenced by factors such as breastfeeding and exposure to the environment.
Choice C rationale
Newborns do not rely solely on their innate immune system. They receive passive immunity from maternal antibodies transferred through the placenta and colostrum, which provides initial protection against infections.
Choice D rationale
Newborns receive passive immunity through the placenta and colostrum, but their own immune system is not fully functional until several months of age. This passive immunity helps protect them from infections during the early months of life.
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