Which of these is a characteristic of a preterm infant?
Hypertonia.
Long toenails.
Lanugo.
Dry skin.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Hypertonia is not a characteristic of a preterm infant, but rather of a post-term infant. Hypertonia means increased muscle tone or stiffness, which is more common in infants who are overdue. Preterm infants have poor muscle tone and less subcutaneous fat.
Choice B reason:
Long toenails are also not a characteristic of a preterm infant but of a post-term infant. Long toenails indicate that the infant has grown beyond the expected gestational age. Preterm infants have short and brittle nails.
Choice C reason:
Lanugo is a characteristic of a preterm infant. Lanugo is fine, downy hair that covers the body of the fetus. It usually disappears by the 36th week of gestation, but preterm infants may still have it at birth.
Choice D reason:
Dry skin is not a characteristic of a preterm infant but of a post-term infant. Dry skin indicates that the infant has lost moisture and subcutaneous fat due to prolonged exposure to the amniotic fluid. Preterm infants have thin and transparent skin that may be covered by vernix caseosa, a white, cheesy substance that protects the skin from the amniotic fluid.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Scant scalp hair is not an expected finding for a newborn who is post-term. Scant scalp hair is more common in preterm infants who have not developed fully.
Choice B reason:
Copious vernix is not an expected finding for a newborn who is post-term. Vernix is a white, cheesy substance that covers the skin of the fetus and protects it from the amniotic fluid. Vernix is usually abundant in preterm infants and decreases as gestation progresses.
Choice C reason:
Increased subcutaneous fat is not an expected finding for a newborn who is post-term. Increased subcutaneous fat is a sign of adequate nutrition and growth, which is more likely in term infants. Post-term infants may have reduced subcutaneous fat due to placental insufficiency and decreased nutrient supply.
Choice D reason:
Dry, cracked skin is an expected finding for a newborn who is post-term. Dry, cracked skin is a result of prolonged exposure to the amniotic fluid, which causes dehydration and desquamation of the skin. Post-term infants may also have meconium staining on their skin due to fetal distress.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
This is incorrect because TTN usually resolves within 24 to 72 hours of birth and does not require a long stay in the NICU.
Choice B reason:
This is correct because TTN is more common in babies born by cesarean section without labor, as they do not have the hormonal changes that help clear the fetal lung fluid.
Choice C reason:
This is incorrect because breastfeeding is not contraindicated in babies with TTN, unless they have severe respiratory distress or need continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) support.
Choice D reason:
This is incorrect because TTN does not cause chronic lung disease or require oxygen therapy at home. Most babies with TTN only need supplemental oxygen for a few days until their breathing improves.
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