RN Maternal Nursing OB Newborn 2023 2024 Exam Related

Review RN Maternal Nursing OB Newborn 2023 2024 Exam related questions and content

A nurse is assessing a newborn who was born postterm. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

  • A. Large deposits of subcutaneous fat
  • B. Thin covering of fine hair on shoulders and back
  • C. Nails extending over tips of fingers
  • D. Pale, translucent skin
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Nails extending over tips of fingers. This is expected in postterm newborns due to prolonged intrauterine growth. The nails continue to grow in utero, leading to longer nails at birth. Large deposits of subcutaneous fat (option A) are typically seen in term newborns, not postterm. Thin covering of fine hair on shoulders and back (option B) is known as lanugo, which is more common in premature infants. Pale, translucent skin (option D) is also more common in premature infants due to decreased subcutaneous fat. Therefore, the correct answer is C, nails extending over tips of fingers, as it is a characteristic finding in postterm newborns.