Question

During newborn assessment, a RN observes small white nodules on the roof of the newborn's mouth. This is a characteristic of which conditions?

a) Down syndrome

b) Thrush

c) Epstein pearls

d) Cleft palate

Answer 1

Epstein pearls are the small white nodules found on the roof of a newborn's mouth.

Step-by-step explanation:

The small white nodules on the roof of a newborn's mouth are characteristic of Epstein pearls.

Epstein pearls are a common finding in newborns and are small, white, cystic lesions that appear on the gums and roof of the mouth. They are harmless and typically resolve on their own within a few weeks or months.

Thrush, on the other hand, is a fungal infection caused by Candida that appears as white patches on the tongue and oral mucosa. Down syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by intellectual disability and certain physical features. And a cleft palate is a congenital condition where the roof of the mouth does not fully close during fetal development.