Wong's Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank - Health Promotion of the Newborn and Family Related

Review Wong's Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank - Health Promotion of the Newborn and Family related questions and content

Which term is used to describe a newborns first stool?

  • A. Milia
  • B. Milk stool
  • C. Meconium
  • D. Transitional
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Meconium is composed of amniotic fluid and its constituents, intestinal secretions, shed mucosal cells, and possibly blood. It is a newborns first stool. Milia involves distended sweat glands that appear as minute vesicles, primarily on the face. Milk stool usually occurs by the fourth day. The appearance varies depending on whether the newborn is breast or formula fed. Transitional stools usually appear by the third day after the beginning of feeding. They are usually greenish brown to yellowish brown, thin, and less sticky than meconium.