A nurse is performing the neuromuscular maturity test on a newborn using the New Ballard Scale.

What does this test evaluate?

The neuromuscular maturity test on a newborn using the New Ballard Scale evaluates the flexion in different positions.The test is a scale that estimates the gestational age of a newborn infant based on physical and neuromuscular characteristics.The test can be used when there is no reliable obstetrical information or a major discrepancy between the estimated date of delivery and the infant’s appearance.

Choice A is wrong because skin thickness and appearance are part of the physical maturity score, not the neuromuscular maturity score.

Choice B is wrong because presence of lanugo and breast buds are also part of the physical maturity score, not the neuromuscular maturity score.

Choice D is wrong because creases on the bottom of feet are another part of the physical maturity score, not the neuromuscular maturity score.

Thicker skin and absence of lanugo.Late preterm infants are born at a gestational age between 34 and 36 completed weeks of pregnancy.They have higher morbidity and mortality rates than term infants, but they also have some physical characteristics that distinguish them from very preterm or extremely preterm infants.

Choice B is wrong because leathery and cracked skin is a sign of postmaturity, not prematurity.

Choice C is wrong because underdeveloped breast buds and flat scrotum are signs of very preterm or extremely preterm infants, not late preterm infants.

Choice D is wrong because wrinkled and transparent skin are also signs of very preterm or extremely preterm infants, not late preterm infants.

Normal ranges for gestational age, weight, length and head circumference can be found in the table below: