Vernix Caseosa in Infants

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Questions and Answers

What is the main composition of Vernix caseosa?

Secretion from sweat glands and epithelial cells

Obstruction of sebaceous glands

Desquamation of lanugo hair

Secretion from sebaceous glands and epithelial cells (correct)

When does Vernix caseosa start to form?

During the second trimester

Before 20 weeks of gestation

During the first trimester

After 32 weeks of gestation (correct)

What is the purpose of Vernix caseosa?

To increase the infant's immunity (correct)

To dry the skin spontaneously

To moisturize the skin

To rub off with the infant's clothes

What is Desquamation?

The peeling of skin Signup and view all the answers

What are Mongolian spots?

Blue-black pigmented spots at the base of the back and on the buttocks Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage of infants with milia?

40% Signup and view all the answers

What is the risk factor for a patient with typhoid fever?

Fluid volume deficit related to less intake, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea Signup and view all the answers

What is the appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with typhoid fever?

Provide assistance for ADLs Signup and view all the answers

What is true about cyanotic heart diseases?

They can be either with or without shunt Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary manifestation of Atrial Septal Defect?

Breathlessness at rest Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of Ventricular Septal Defect?

An abnormal communication between the right and left ventricles Signup and view all the answers

What is thermoregulation in the newborn closely related to?

Rate of metabolism and oxygen consumption Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of Patent Ductus Arteriosus?

A structure that is normally present in fetal structure and closes normally after birth Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of heat production in the newborn?

Brown fat and increased metabolic activity Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of sweat glands in the newborn?

Thermo function Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal stomach capacity of a newborn?

30 ml Signup and view all the answers

When does the normal term newborn typically pass meconium?

Within 12-48 hours of birth Signup and view all the answers

Why may the hemoglobin concentration rise in the newborn?

All the above Signup and view all the answers

At what age can a child count to 20?

10 years Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of school phobia?

Abdominal pain Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a child's thinking at the stage of constraints?

Egocentric Signup and view all the answers

What is a common behavior exhibited by children with school phobia?

Aggressive behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is essential before diagnosing school phobia?

Ruling out organic causes Signup and view all the answers

What is a period of stress, conflict, and anxiety?

Adolescence Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of nephrotic syndrome cases in children is classified as minimal change?

50% Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary presenting symptom of nephrotic syndrome?

Edema Signup and view all the answers

Why is a kidney biopsy sometimes necessary in nephrotic syndrome?

To differentiate the type of nephrotic syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What are the two major complications of nephrotic syndrome?

Infection and thrombosis Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of assessing nephrotic syndrome?

Inspecting the skin for pallor or breakdown Signup and view all the answers

What is a role of the nurse in caring for patients with nephrotic syndrome?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vernix Caseosa and Lanugo Hair

Vernix caseosa is a combination of secretion from sebaceous glands and epithelial cells.
It is distributed variably across the body, with heavier concentrations in skin folds and between labia.
Vernix caseosa increases an infant's immunity, dries spontaneously, and rubs off with clothing.
It decreases in preterm infants and increases in full-term infants because it forms after 32 weeks of gestation and disappears within 2-3 days of life.

Desquamation (Peeling)

Desquamation occurs during the first 2-4 weeks of life.
It is caused by the shrinkage or separation of the placenta and fetus, leading to a lack of nutrition.
It is commonly seen in post-mature infants born after 40 weeks.

Milia (White Pimples)

Milia are present in 40% of infants, particularly on the nose and chin.
They are caused by the obstruction of sebaceous glands and usually disappear within a week or two.

Mongolian Spots

Mongolian spots are blue-black pigmented macules that occur at the base of the back and on the buttocks.
They are medically insignificant and common in infants with dark-skinned parents, but can also occur in Caucasian infants.
They usually disappear during the pre-school age without treatment.

Macular Haemangioma

Macular haemangioma is a type of stork bite or salmon patch.
It occurs around the eyes and at the nape of the neck, affecting 30-50% of infants.
Those at the nape may persist.

Sweat Glands

Sweat glands are present in newborns, but they have a thermogenic function until the fourth week or later of extra-uterine life.

Cardiovascular System Disorders

A cyanotic heart disease can be with or without a shunt.
Cyanotic heart disease without a shunt is caused by a decrease in pulmonary blood flow.
Atrial Septal Defect is a common congenital cardiac defect that may be discovered during routine examination.
Ventricular Septal Defect is an abnormal communication between the right and left ventricles.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus is a normal fetal structure that closes after birth.

Thermoregulation

Thermoregulation in newborns is closely related to the rate of metabolism and oxygen consumption.
The central control system (hypothalamus) adjusts heat production and heat loss.
The non-shivering mechanism of heat production is rarely operable in newborns.
Shivering mechanism is accomplished primarily by brown fat and secondarily by increased metabolic activity in the brain, heart, and liver.

Gastrointestinal System

By birth, the neonate has experienced swallowing, gastric emptying, and intestinal propulsion.
The newborn's stomach capacity is 30 ml.
Normal term newborns pass meconium within 12-48 hours of birth.
In the first days of life, hemoglobin concentration may rise by 1-2g/dl above fetal levels due to placental transfusion, low oral fluid intake, and diminished extracellular fluid volume.

Genitourinary System

The most common causes of failure to void in neonates are dehydration.
Tests have usually descended into the scrotum by the eighth month of intrauterine life, but in some cases, they may remain in the abdomen or inguinal canal, known as undescended testes.

Developmental Milestones

At 10 years, children can count to 20, define common objects, read clocks or watches, count back from 20-1, and write short letters to friends.
At 11 years, children may seek God's help for protection when fearful.
At this stage, children view every act as either right or wrong and believe that everyone shares their view.

School Phobia

School phobia is represented by a variety of specific learning disabilities in children, such as difficulties in reading, writing, and understanding.
Children may employ aggressive, negative, or disobedient behavior to feel important and control others.
Health education for parents with school phobia involves encouraging attendance to school, resulting in the resolution of the child's problem.

Adolescence

Adolescence is a transitional period from childhood to adulthood, characterized by stress, conflict, and anxiety.
It typically occurs between the ages of 10 and 19.

Nephrotic Syndrome

The commonest type of nephrotic syndrome in children is called "minimal change" and occurs in 50% of cases.
Kidney biopsy is sometimes necessary to differentiate the particular type of nephrotic syndrome.
Clinical manifestations of nephrotic syndrome include edema, which is usually the presenting symptom, appearing first around the eyes and ankles, then becoming generalized with a pendulous abdomen full of fluid.
The two major complications of nephrotic syndrome are infection and thrombosis.

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Description

This quiz tests your knowledge of vernix caseosa, a substance present on the skin of newborns. Learn about its composition, distribution, and importance in infant development. Discover how it affects immunity and changes over time.