NCLEX RN Pediatric Questions Related

Review NCLEX RN Pediatric Questions related questions and content

The parents of a newborn ask the nurse what caused the baby's facial nerve paralysis. What knowledge should the nurse's response be based on?

  • A. Genetic defect
  • B. Birth injury
  • C. Spinal cord injury
  • D. Inborn error of metabolism
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Facial nerve paralysis in a newborn is most commonly caused by birth injury. This can occur during the birthing process due to pressure on the baby's face or head, particularly if forceps or vacuum extraction are used during delivery. The trauma can affect the facial nerve resulting in temporary or permanent paralysis. It is important for the nurse to provide reassurance to the parents that birth injury is a common cause of facial nerve paralysis in newborns, and in many cases, the paralysis resolves on its own over time without further complications.