Test-Taking Tip

Remember that cephalohematoma is the collection of blood and is a result of trauma to the fetal head. When there is no trauma, such as with cesarean section or breech presentation, you can eliminate those options.

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

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Health Promotion and Maintenance

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Answer 1 is incorrect because cephalohematoma is an area of bleeding underneath one of the cranial bones usually caused by a difficult birth. A scheduled cesarean delivery does not result in trauma to the fetal head with a result of cephalohematoma. Answer 2 is incorrect because prolonged latent phase does not necessarily mean a difficult birth. A prolonged latent phase is fairly common in clients who are primigravida. This is the phase of labor when the cervix is less than 4 cm dilated. Answer 3 is correct because prolonged second stage of labor is a long pushing stage that may result in a cephalohematoma, caused by the fetal head being in the birth canal for a prolonged period. Answer 4 is correct because vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery may result in a cephalohematoma caused by the application of a vacuum extractor. Answer 5 is incorrect because breech presentation does not result in fetal head trauma; therefore, cephalohematoma does not form on the fetal head.

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