Maternal Newborn Nursing Practice Questions Related

Review Maternal Newborn Nursing Practice Questions related questions and content

A newborn is delivered vaginally in the breech presentation. When examining her baby, the mother asks if the baby has been injured during birth because of the large black and blue areas on the buttocks and legs, The nurse should respond that:

  • A. This is not a birth injury probably just a birthmark
  • B. These are caused by forceps used to aid in the delivery of the baby
  • C. This a temporary complication that will disappear in about a week
  • D. These Mongolian spots, common in dark-skinned babies, disappear within a year
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The large black and blue areas on the buttocks and legs of the newborn are likely Mongolian spots. Mongolian spots are common in infants with dark skin and are not a result of birth trauma. They are benign birthmarks caused by pigment that did not make it to the top layer of the skin before birth. These spots typically fade over time and may disappear completely within a few years. It is important to educate parents about Mongolian spots to alleviate any concerns they may have about their baby's skin markings.