A nurse is caring for a newborn delivered by vaginal birth with a vacuum assist. The newborn's mother asks about the swollen area on her son's head. After palpation to identify that the swelling crosses the suture line, which of the following is an appropriate response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "This is a cephalhematoma, which can occur spontaneously."
1. Cephalhematoma is a subperiosteal hemorrhage that does not cross suture lines and is due to trauma during delivery.
2. Caput succedaneum (choice B) occurs due to pressure during labor and resolves within a few days.
3. Mongolian spots (choice A) are benign bluish-grey birthmarks commonly found in newborns and are not related to head swelling.
4. Erythema toxicum (choice D) is a common rash in newborns, not related to head swelling.
In summary, the correct choice is C because it accurately describes the condition observed in the newborn after vacuum-assisted delivery.