A nursery nurse is performing a shift assessment on a baby who was born 8 hours ago via a vacuum-assisted vaginal birth and notices caput succedaneum. Which of the following statements regarding caput succedaneum is correct?
"Caput succedaneum is a concern and I need to call the pediatrician right away."
"Caput succedaneum is self-limiting and goes away on its own within 3-5 days.
Caput succedaneum is caused by the cranial bones changing shape to get through the maternal pelvis.
"Caput succedaneum is bleeding on the brain that does not cross the suture line."
The Correct Answer is B
Caput succedaneum is a common condition in newborns that causes swelling of the soft tissues of the scalp. It is usually caused by pressure on the baby's head during delivery and can be seen in both vaginal and instrumental births, such as vacuum-assisted deliveries. It generally crosses the suture lines, unlike a cephalohematoma.
Caput succedaneum is not a serious condition and generally resolves on its own within a few days without any treatment. However, the nurse should continue to monitor the newborn for signs of jaundice, which can occur due to the breakdown of red blood cells in the swelling.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
While gestational diabetes (GDM) can increase the risk of certain complications for the baby, such as macrosomia (large baby) and hypoglycemia after birth, there is no known increased risk for cardiac defects specifically. The other statements are accurate and appropriate for a client newly diagnosed with GDM.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
After a forceps-assisted birth, the infant should be assessed for signs of trauma or injury, such as bruising, facial nerve injury, or skull fractures. This assessment should be done immediately after the birth to ensure prompt recognition and management of any issues.
Option A is incorrect because measuring the circumference of the infant's head can be done after the assessment for trauma has been completed and any issues have been addressed.
Option B is incorrect because applying a cold pack to the infant's scalp is not a standard nursing intervention after a forceps-assisted birth.
Option D is incorrect because prophylactic antibiotics are not routinely administered to infants after a forceps-assisted birth unless there is a specific indication, such as suspected infection.
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