Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is assessing a newborn's head after a vaginal delivery. The nurse notes a soft, edematous area that crosses suture lines on the scalp. The parents ask how this differs from a cephalohematoma. Which of the following statements is correct?
A. Both caput succedaneum and cephalohematoma are superficial scalp swellings that are visible at birth, can cross suture lines, and generally resolve spontaneously within a few hours to a few days without any risk of complications.
Both caput succedaneum and cephalohematoma are superficial scalp swellings that are visible at birth, can cross suture lines, and generally resolve spontaneously within a few hours to a few days without any risk of complications is incorrect. While caput succedaneum crosses suture lines and resolves quickly, cephalohematoma does not cross suture lines and takes longer to resolve.
B. Caput succedaneum is a collection of blood beneath the periosteum that is limited to a single cranial bone, does not cross suture lines, and may take several weeks to resolve, while cephalohematoma is a superficial scalp swelling caused by pressure during delivery that crosses suture lines and resolves within days
Caput succedaneum is a collection of blood beneath the periosteum that is limited to a single cranial bone, does not cross suture lines, while cephalohematoma is a superficial scalp swelling that crosses suture lines is incorrect. This description reverses the characteristics of caput succedaneum and cephalohematoma. Caput succedaneum is a superficial edema that crosses suture lines, whereas cephalohematoma is a subperiosteal hemorrhage limited to one cranial bone.
C. Caput succedaneum is usually firm and may be associated with bruising or ecchymosis of the scalp that develops within 24-48 hours after birth, while cephalohematoma is a soft, fluid-filled swelling of the scalp that crosses suture lines and resolves within a few days.
Caput succedaneum is usually firm and may be associated with bruising or ecchymosis, while cephalohematoma is a soft swelling that crosses suture lines is incorrect. Caput succedaneum is soft and edematous, not firm, and cephalohematoma does not cross suture lines.
D. Caput succedaneum crosses suture lines and usually resolves within a few days without intervention, while cephalohematoma is a subperiosteal hemorrhage confined to one cranial bone that may take weeks to months to resolve and can slightly increase the risk of hyperbilirubinemia.
Caput succedaneum crosses suture lines and usually resolves within a few days without intervention, while cephalohematoma is a subperiosteal hemorrhage confined to one cranial bone that may take weeks to months to resolve and can slightly increase the risk of hyperbilirubinemia is correct. Caput succedaneum results from pressure on the fetal head during delivery, causing soft tissue edema, while cephalohematoma results from ruptured blood vessels under the periosteum and resolves more slowly, with a small risk of hyperbilirubinemia.
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Full Explanation
A. Both caput succedaneum and cephalohematoma are superficial scalp swellings that are visible at birth, can cross suture lines, and generally resolve spontaneously within a few hours to a few days without any risk of complications is incorrect. While caput succedaneum crosses suture lines and resolves quickly, cephalohematoma does not cross suture lines and takes longer to resolve.
B. Caput succedaneum is a collection of blood beneath the periosteum that is limited to a single cranial bone, does not cross suture lines, while cephalohematoma is a superficial scalp swelling that crosses suture lines is incorrect. This description reverses the characteristics of caput succedaneum and cephalohematoma. Caput succedaneum is a superficial edema that crosses suture lines, whereas cephalohematoma is a subperiosteal hemorrhage limited to one cranial bone.
C. Caput succedaneum is usually firm and may be associated with bruising or ecchymosis, while cephalohematoma is a soft swelling that crosses suture lines is incorrect. Caput succedaneum is soft and edematous, not firm, and cephalohematoma does not cross suture lines.
D. Caput succedaneum crosses suture lines and usually resolves within a few days without intervention, while cephalohematoma is a subperiosteal hemorrhage confined to one cranial bone that may take weeks to months to resolve and can slightly increase the risk of hyperbilirubinemia is correct. Caput succedaneum results from pressure on the fetal head during delivery, causing soft tissue edema, while cephalohematoma results from ruptured blood vessels under the periosteum and resolves more slowly, with a small risk of hyperbilirubinemia.
Similar Questions
A 3-week-old infant is brought to the emergency department with a history of forceful, projectile vomiting after feedings and signs of weight loss. On assessment, the nurse palpates a small, olive-shaped mass in the upper abdomen. Which condition does this clinical picture most likely indicate?
A. Intussusception
Intussusception is incorrect because this condition typically presents with intermittent abdominal pain, drawing up of the legs, and “currant jelly” stools caused by blood and mucus. Vomiting may occur, but the presence of a palpable olive-shaped mass and projectile vomiting is not characteristic.
B. Pyloric stenosis
Pyloric stenosis is correct. Pyloric stenosis occurs when the pyloric muscle hypertrophies, causing gastric outlet obstruction. It usually presents in infants around 3–6 weeks of age with forceful, projectile vomiting immediately after feedings, signs of weight loss or poor weight gain, dehydration, and a palpable, firm, olive-shaped mass in the right upper abdomen. Vomiting is non-bilious because the obstruction is proximal to the duodenum.
C. A. Gastroesophageal reflux (GER)
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is incorrect because GER typically causes spitting up or regurgitation, which is usually non-forceful and not associated with an olive-shaped mass or significant weight loss. GER is common in infants and often resolves spontaneously.
D. Hirschsprung's disease
Hirschsprung's disease is incorrect because it presents with chronic constipation, abdominal distension, and delayed passage of meconium in the newborn period. Projectile vomiting and a palpable pyloric mass are not typical features.
Full Explanation
A. Intussusception is incorrect because this condition typically presents with intermittent abdominal pain, drawing up of the legs, and “currant jelly” stools caused by blood and mucus. Vomiting may occur, but the presence of a palpable olive-shaped mass and projectile vomiting is not characteristic.
B. Pyloric stenosis is correct. Pyloric stenosis occurs when the pyloric muscle hypertrophies, causing gastric outlet obstruction. It usually presents in infants around 3–6 weeks of age with forceful, projectile vomiting immediately after feedings, signs of weight loss or poor weight gain, dehydration, and a palpable, firm, olive-shaped mass in the right upper abdomen. Vomiting is non-bilious because the obstruction is proximal to the duodenum.
C. Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is incorrect because GER typically causes spitting up or regurgitation, which is usually non-forceful and not associated with an olive-shaped mass or significant weight loss. GER is common in infants and often resolves spontaneously.
D. Hirschsprung's disease is incorrect because it presents with chronic constipation, abdominal distension, and delayed passage of meconium in the newborn period. Projectile vomiting and a palpable pyloric mass are not typical features.
Which of the following is a key difference between Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) in children?
A. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is more commonly associated with painless, enlarged lymph nodes than Hodgkin's lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is more commonly associated with painless, enlarged lymph nodes than Hodgkin's lymphoma is incorrect because both HL and NHL can present with painless lymphadenopathy, so this is not a distinguishing feature.
B. Hodgkin's lymphoma presents with a more aggressive course than Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Hodgkin's lymphoma presents with a more aggressive course than Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is incorrect because, in children, Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma generally has a more aggressive and rapid course compared with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which usually progresses more slowly.
C. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma typically involves the reed-Sternberg cells
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma typically involves the Reed-Sternberg cells is incorrect because Reed-Sternberg cells are characteristic of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, not Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Their presence is a key diagnostic feature of HL.
D. Hodgkin's lymphoma usually has a more predictable and localized spread than Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Hodgkin's lymphoma usually has a more predictable and localized spread than Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is correct. Hodgkin’s lymphoma tends to spread in a contiguous, orderly fashion from one lymph node group to another, often starting in cervical or supraclavicular nodes. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, in contrast, tends to spread more diffusely and rapidly, involving extranodal sites such as the gastrointestinal tract, mediastinum, and bone marrow.
Full Explanation
A. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is more commonly associated with painless, enlarged lymph nodes than Hodgkin's lymphoma is incorrect because both HL and NHL can present with painless lymphadenopathy, so this is not a distinguishing feature.
B. Hodgkin's lymphoma presents with a more aggressive course than Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is incorrect because, in children, Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma generally has a more aggressive and rapid course compared with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which usually progresses more slowly.
C. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma typically involves the Reed-Sternberg cells is incorrect because Reed-Sternberg cells are characteristic of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, not Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Their presence is a key diagnostic feature of HL.
D. Hodgkin's lymphoma usually has a more predictable and localized spread than Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is correct. Hodgkin’s lymphoma tends to spread in a contiguous, orderly fashion from one lymph node group to another, often starting in cervical or supraclavicular nodes. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, in contrast, tends to spread more diffusely and rapidly, involving extranodal sites such as the gastrointestinal tract, mediastinum, and bone marrow.
A nurse is caring for a hospitalized child and family using a family-centered care approach. Which nursing action best demonstrates the principle that the family is the constant in the child's life?
A. Limiting family involvement to scheduled visiting hours
Limiting family involvement to scheduled visiting hours is incorrect because family-centered care promotes unrestricted or flexible family presence. Restricting involvement contradicts the idea that the family plays a continuous and central role in the child’s life.
B. Encouraging the family to follow unit routines without modification
Encouraging the family to follow unit routines without modification is incorrect because family-centered care values collaboration and flexibility. Care should be adapted to meet the needs of the child and family, not force the family to conform to rigid hospital routines.
C. Assuming the healthcare team is the primary source of support for the child
Assuming the healthcare team is the primary source of support for the child is incorrect because, in family-centered care, the family—not the healthcare team—is recognized as the primary and constant source of support, comfort, and advocacy for the child.
D. Involving the family in care planning and decision-making for the child
Involving the family in care planning and decision-making for the child is correct because it acknowledges that the family is the constant in the child’s life. This approach respects the family’s knowledge of the child, promotes collaboration, and supports continuity of care across healthcare settings.
Full Explanation
A. Limiting family involvement to scheduled visiting hours is incorrect because family-centered care promotes unrestricted or flexible family presence. Restricting involvement contradicts the idea that the family plays a continuous and central role in the child’s life.
B. Encouraging the family to follow unit routines without modification is incorrect because family-centered care values collaboration and flexibility. Care should be adapted to meet the needs of the child and family, not force the family to conform to rigid hospital routines.
C. Assuming the healthcare team is the primary source of support for the child is incorrect because, in family-centered care, the family—not the healthcare team—is recognized as the primary and constant source of support, comfort, and advocacy for the child.
D. Involving the family in care planning and decision-making for the child is correct because it acknowledges that the family is the constant in the child’s life. This approach respects the family’s knowledge of the child, promotes collaboration, and supports continuity of care across healthcare settings.