Sub-periosteal collection of blood due to compressive force on the fetal skull leading to swelling of the head is known as?

Appeared in: IGNOU Post B. SC. Nursing entrance-2019

Explanation

Cephalohaematoma is a collection of blood under the periosteum (the membrane covering the skull bones) of a newborn's skull.
It is caused by the pressure and shearing forces on the fetal head during a difficult or prolonged labor and delivery, which rupture small blood vessels.
A key feature is that the swelling is confined to one cranial bone and does not cross the suture lines, as the periosteum is firmly attached at these points.
Unlike other scalp swellings, it may not be visible at birth but appears several hours to days later as blood slowly accumulates.

Option A: This is a general term for bleeding and is not specific. Cephalohaematoma is a specific type of hemorrhage.
Option B: This is a general term for a localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels. While a cephalohaematoma is a type of haematoma, 'Cephalohaematoma' is the precise medical term for this specific condition.
Option D: This is a severe congenital birth defect where a major portion of the brain, skull, and scalp is absent. It is a neural tube defect and is unrelated to birth trauma or swelling.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Neonatal birth injuries: Cephalohaematoma helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses must differentiate between cephalohaematoma and other scalp swellings like caput succedaneum (benign edema) and the more dangerous subgaleal hemorrhage, which can lead to massive blood loss and shock.
Key nursing assessments include monitoring for jaundice (hyperbilirubinemia) as the collected blood breaks down, and observing for signs of anemia. Head circumference should be measured to track the size.
Parents need reassurance that most cephalohaematomas resolve spontaneously over several weeks to months without treatment and that aspiration is contraindicated due to infection risk.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key descriptors in the question: 'sub-periosteal collection of blood' and 'swelling of the head'.
The term 'sub-periosteal' is the most critical clinical clue, as it specifies the exact anatomical location of the bleeding, which is under the periosteum.
Evaluate the options. 'Haemorrhage' and 'Haematoma' are general terms that are correct but not specific enough.
'Anencephaly' is a major congenital malformation involving the absence of the skull, not a swelling on it.
Match the specific description 'sub-periosteal haematoma of the skull' to the most precise medical term provided, which is 'Cephalohaematoma'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QZliNGlGNYQ4lyHKypM_nu

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 18-35

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 1065-1067

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