Author Question: The caregivers notice a swelling over the cranial bones of their newborn. The nurse examines the ... (Read 22 times)

Caiter2013 · **on:** Jun 27, 2018

The caregivers notice a swelling over the cranial bones of their newborn. The nurse examines the baby and tells the caregivers that this appears to be a cephalhematoma and will disappear with time.

The nurse is reasonably certain this is a cephalhematoma and not some other abnormality because the: a. mother had a forceps delivery c. color is the same as a cephalhematoma
b. swelling does not cross suture lines d. swelling is over a large area of the head

Question 2

While palpating the outer layer of the cranial bones behind and above the ears, the nurse finds a softening of this area and has the sensation of pressing on a table-tennis ball then palpating the area.

The nurse knows this finding is indicative of: a. shaken baby syndrome c. craniotabes
b. skull fracture d. crepitus

firehawk60 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 27, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B

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A Incorrect. The means of delivery may or may not involve a cephalhematoma, but would not be the only possibility.
B Correct. Another abnormal finding in a newborn is a cephalhematoma, a localized, subcutaneous swelling over one of the cranial bones. The swelling does not cross suture lines.
C Incorrect. Cephalhematoma swelling does not present a differing color.
D Incorrect. Cephalhematoma swelling is localized, not swelling over a large area of the head.

Answer to Question 2

C

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A Incorrect. The findings of a softening of the cranial bones behind and above the ears is not associated with shaken baby syndrome.
B Incorrect. The findings of a softening of the cranial bones behind and above the ears is not associated with a skull fracture.
C Correct. A softening of the outer layer of cranial bones behind and above the ears combined with a ping-pong ball sensation as the area is pressed in gently with the fingers is indicative of craniotabes, an abnormal finding. Craniotabes is associated with rickets, syphilis, hydrocephaly, or hypervitaminosis.
D Incorrect. The findings of a softening of the cranial bones behind and above the ears is not associated with crepitus (flatulence).