Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 64%
Simulated
Passage / Scenario
A nurse is preparing to examine a post-term newborn immediately following delivery.Which of the following findings should she expect to observe? (Select all that apply.)
Correct answer
C,E
Rationale
The correct findings the nurse should expect to observe in a newborn are cracked, peeling skin (choice C) and vernix in the folds and creases (choice E). Cracked, peeling skin is a normal postnatal adaptation due to the loss of the protective vernix caseosa. Vernix in the folds and creases is also expected as it helps protect the skin from the amniotic fluid. Moro reflex (choice A) is a newborn reflex that involves the spreading out and then drawing in of the infant's arms in response to a sensation of falling, so this is not a expected finding. Heel to ear maneuverability (choice B) is not a typical newborn assessment, so it is an incorrect choice. Abundant lanugo (choice D) is fine hair that covers a newborn's body and is typically shed before birth, so it is an incorrect finding for a newborn.