Newborn Physiologic Adjustments (Integumentary System)

Question 1

What is vernix caseosa?

Answer 1

A cheeselike, whitish substance that is fused with the epidermis and serves as a protective covering.

Question 2

What is significant about vernix caseosa?

Answer 2

Has emollient and antimicrobial properties and prevents fluid loss through the skin it also has antioxidant properties.

Question 3

There is evidence that leaving residual vernix intact after r birth has positive benefits for new neonatal skin such as

Answer 3

Decreasing the skin pH
Decreasing skin erythema
Improving skin hydration

Question 4

Why do the hands and feet of newborns appear slightly cyanotic?

Answer 4

This is caused by vasomotor instability and capillary stasis.

Question 5

Acrocyanosis is normal and appears intermittently over the first ____ to _____ days, especially with exposure to _____.

Answer 5

7 to 10

Cold

Question 6

Fine lanugo may be noted over what locations?

Answer 6

Face, shoulders, and back

Question 7

The simian line, a single palmar crease, is often seen in

Answer 7

Asian infants

DS

Question 8

Increased numbers of crease correlate with what?

Answer 8

Greater maturity rating

Question 9

What are milia?

Answer 9

Distended, small, white sebaceous glands noticeable on the newborn’s face

Question 10

Term infants usually do not sweat for the first ____ hrs

Answer 10

24

Question 11

By day ___ sweating begins on the ___ and later progresses to the _____.

Answer 11

3 days
Face
Palms

Question 12

What is desquamation?

Answer 12

Peeling of the skin of the term infant does not occur until a few days after birth.

Question 13

Desquamation present at birth may be an indication of _____.

Answer 13

Postmaturity

Question 14

What is mongolian spots?

Answer 14

Bluish-black areas of pigmentation, may appear over any part of the exterior surface of the body, including the extremities.

Question 15

What ethnicity is more prone to mongolian spots?

Answer 15

Mediterranean, Latin american, Asia, or Africa

Question 16

Why do mongolian spots need to be documented?

Answer 16

Can be mistaken for bruises once the infant is discharged, which can raise suspicion of physical abuse.

Question 17

What is nevus simplex?

Answer 17

Are flat, pink capillary hemangioma that are easily blanched.

Question 18

Where do nevus simplexes appear?

Answer 18

Upper eyelids
Nose
Upper lip 
Lower occiput bone
Nape of the neck

Question 19

Bruising can increase the risk of…

Answer 19

hyperbillirubinemia