Question

An assessment of a newborn includes the differentiation between cephalhematoma and caput succedaneum. When making this assessment, the nurse identifies that the newborn with caput succedaneum has scalp edema that:

A. Becomes ecchymotic
B. Crosses the suture line
C. Increases after several hours
D. Is tender in the surrounding area

Answer 1

Caput succedaneum is identified by scalp edema that increases after several hours.

Step-by-step explanation:

When differentiating between cephalhematoma and caput succedaneum in a newborn, the nurse identifies that the newborn with caput succedaneum has scalp edema that:

1. Becomes ecchymotic: This is false. Caput succedaneum does not become ecchymotic, while cephalhematoma can.
2. Crosses the suture line: This is false. Caput succedaneum usually stays above the suture line, while cephalhematoma does cross the suture line.
3. Increases after several hours: This is true. Caput succedaneum may increase in size after several hours, while cephalhematoma does not.
4. Is tender in the surrounding area: This is false. Caput succedaneum is not tender, while cephalhematoma can be tender.

The correct answer is C. Increases after several hours.