ATI Maternal Newborn Related

Review ATI Maternal Newborn related questions and content

A client who is at 42 weeks gestation and in labor asks the nurse what to expect because the baby is postmature. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

  • A. Your baby will have excess baby fat.
  • B. Your baby will have flat areola without breast buds.
  • C. Your baby's heels will easily move to his ears.
  • D. Your baby's skin will have a leathery appearance.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because a baby who is postmature may have dry, cracked, and peeling skin, leading to a leathery appearance due to prolonged exposure to amniotic fluid. This occurs as the protective vernix caseosa diminishes over time. Choice A is incorrect because excess baby fat is not a typical characteristic of postmaturity. Choice B is incorrect as flat areola without breast buds is not a common feature of postmaturity. Choice C is incorrect as the ability to easily move heels to ears is a sign of flexibility and does not specifically relate to postmaturity.