Newborn Head Conditions

Study Notes

Caput Succedaneum

Localized edema on the scalp resulting from prolonged labor pressure.
Appears as soft tissue swelling that crosses suture lines; may include pitting edema, petechiae, and ecchymosis.
Resolves within approximately 3 days without treatment.
Common in newborns delivered via vacuum extraction in the area where the cup was applied.

Molding

Elongation of the fetal head during vaginal birth to fit through the birth canal.
Characterized by occipital prominence and overriding of the sagittal suture line.
Typically resolves within one week post-birth.

Cephalhematoma

Subperiosteal collection of blood confined to one cranial bone, caused by pressure during birth.
Often associated with prolonged labor and obstetric interventions like forceps or vacuum extraction.
Presents as well-demarcated, fluctuant swelling; does not cross suture lines and lacks skin discoloration.
Generally appears on the second or third day post-birth and resolves within weeks or months.
Can result in hyperbilirubinemia due to RBC breakdown within the hematoma, potentially leading to jaundice.

APGAR Scoring

Developed by Dr. Virginia Apgar in 1952 for assessing newborns' physical condition at 1 and 5 minutes after birth.
Additional assessment at 10 minutes if the 5-minute score is below 7.
Assesses five parameters: Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiratory effort, each scored from 0 to 2 points.
A normal score is between 8 and 10 points; scores below 8 indicate varying degrees of distress.
Influenced by factors such as infection, maternal age, congenital anomalies, and labor management.
Assessments are indicative of newborn adaptation to extrauterine life and central nervous system status.

Description

This quiz covers important neonatal head conditions such as caput succedaneum, molding, and cephalhematoma. You'll learn about their characteristics, causes, and resolution timelines. Perfect for students in obstetrics or pediatric nursing.