Maternity and Pediatric Nursing 4th Edition Test Bank Related

Review Maternity and Pediatric Nursing 4th Edition Test Bank related questions and content

A mother of a term neonate asks what the thick, white, cheesy coating is on his skin. Which correctly describes this finding?

  • A. Lanugo
  • B. Milia
  • C. Nevus flammeus
  • D. Vernix 6
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The thick, white, cheesy coating on the skin of a newborn baby is called vernix caseosa. It is a substance produced by the fetal sebaceous glands and is meant to protect the baby's skin while in the amniotic fluid. Vernix helps to maintain the skin's hydration, provides a barrier against infection, and aids in the transition from the wet intrauterine environment to the dry extrauterine world. It is usually found on the skin of term newborns but can be present in preterm babies as well. As the baby is exposed to air and dries off, the vernix will naturally diminish.