newborn head, eyes, ears, nose Flashcards
Why does a newborn’s head appear disproportionately large?
It is about one-fourth of the total body length.
Why might a newborn’s head appear asymmetric?
Due to intrauterine position or molding from vaginal birth.
What might be present on the scalp if internal fetal monitoring was used?
A pinpoint ulcer at the monitor attachment site.
What are fontanelles?
Spaces where skull bones join.
Where is the anterior fontanelle located?
At the junction of the two parietal bones and two fused frontal bones.
What does an indented anterior fontanelle indicate?
Dehydration.
What does a bulging anterior fontanelle indicate?
Increased intracranial pressure.
What are sutures in a newborn’s skull?
Separating lines between skull bones.
Why might skull sutures override at birth?
Due to pressure exerted during passage through the birth canal.
What is an abnormal finding in newborn skull sutures?
Widely separated or fused (craniosynostosis) sutures.
What is molding?
The shaping of the fetal head to fit through the cervix during labor.
How long does it take for a molded head to become more rounded?
A few days after birth.
What is caput succedaneum?
Edema of the scalp that crosses suture lines, caused by birth pressure.
How long does caput succedaneum take to resolve?
Several days, no treatment needed.
What is cephalohematoma?
A collection of blood between the periosteum and skull bone, confined to one bone.
How long does it take for a cephalohematoma to resolve?
Several weeks, no treatment needed.
What should a newborn’s eyes look like?
Clear, without redness or purulent discharge.
What causes a subconjunctival hemorrhage in a newborn?
Pressure during birth rupturing a conjunctival capillary.
How long does a subconjunctival hemorrhage take to resolve?
2-3 weeks, no treatment needed.
What might be found in front of a newborn’s ear?
A small skin tag.
Why is visualization of the eardrum difficult in newborns?
The ear canal contains amniotic fluid and vernix.
What does the AAP recommend for newborn hearing?
All newborns should be screened for hearing before discharge.
What is a common finding on a newborn’s nose?
Milia.
What should be noted when assessing a newborn’s nose?
Any respiratory distress while one side is blocked.
