Pre-Test 1 and 2: Introduction to Special Questions Based on Official NCLEX-RN[®]
23. A nursing student is performing an initial newborn assessment. The newborn is observed to have a caput succedaneum. What are likely causes of this condition? Select all that apply.
. Scheduled cesarean delivery.
. Prolonged active phase of labor.
. Breech presentation.
. Vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery.
. Prolonged second stage of labor.
Test-Taking Tip
Think about the forces that increase pressure on the fetal head and can cause caput succedaneum.
Content Area: Child Health, Newborn; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Analysis; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Health Promotion and Maintenance/Ante/Intra/Postpartum and Newborn Care
Pre-Test 1 and 2: Introduction to Special Questions Based on Official NCLEX-RN[®]
. . .
Answer 1 is incorrect because a scheduled cesarean section does not increase the pressure on the fetal head or lead to development of caput succedaneum. Answer 2 is correct because caput succedaneum is a diffuse swelling of the scalp in a newborn caused by pressure from the uterus or vaginal wall during a head-first (vertex) delivery. Prolonged active phase increases the pressure on the fetal head. Answer 3 is incorrect because a breech delivery does not increase the pressure on the fetal head or lead to development of caput succedaneum. Answer 4 is correct because vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery increases the pressure on the fetal head and can result in caput succedaneum. Answer 5 is correct because caput succedaneum is a diffuse swelling of the scalp in a newborn caused by pressure from the uterus or vaginal wall during a head-first (vertex) delivery. Prolonged second stage increases the pressure on the fetal head.