Nursing Care of the Newborn Related

Review Nursing Care of the Newborn related questions and content

Edward, a newborn delivered at 41 weeks' gestation, weighs 10 lb 4 oz. Vaginal delivery for this G1P1 mother was assisted with forceps. The nurse is completing her assessment and notes a sharply demarcated swelling over the parietal bones. The occipital and frontal skull bones are not affected. The neck does not appear edematous and is soft to the touch with full mobility. The infant is awake and active and has been breast-feeding well. What is the most probable cause of the swelling?

  • A. cephalohematoma
  • B. subgaleal hemorrhage
  • C. caput succedaneum
  • D. skull fracture
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Cephalohematoma involves localized bleeding beneath the periosteum, typically over a single bone.