The slight, downy distribution of fine hair over neonate's body is termed as?

Appeared in: DSSSB - 28 August 2019 (Shift-1)

Explanation

Lanugo is the correct medical term for the fine, soft, downy hair that covers the body of a fetus and newborn.
This hair is typically unpigmented and is most noticeable on the back, shoulders, and forehead.
It develops in utero around the 5th month of gestation and is usually shed within the first few weeks of postnatal life.
Its presence is a key characteristic used in assessing gestational age, with more abundant lanugo often seen in premature infants.

Option A: Vernix caseosa is the thick, white, cheesy substance that covers the skin of the fetus, providing protection. It is a coating, not hair.
Option C: Milia are tiny, white, keratin-filled cysts that commonly appear on a newborn's face, particularly on the nose. They are small bumps, not hair.
Option D: Erythema is a general term for redness of the skin. In newborns, 'erythema toxicum' is a common, benign rash, but it is not hair.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification of common integumentary findings in a neonate as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The presence and amount of lanugo are key components of the New Ballard Score, a tool nurses use to assess a newborn's gestational age. More lanugo is associated with greater prematurity.
Nurses should educate parents that lanugo is a normal finding that will disappear on its own, which can help reduce parental anxiety.
What if? If a term infant has excessive, persistent lanugo along with other signs like a large posterior fontanelle and poor feeding, it could be a soft marker for certain congenital or metabolic disorders, warranting further evaluation and reporting to the physician.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key descriptive phrase in the question: 'slight, downy distribution of fine hair over neonate's body'.
This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of common physical characteristics of a newborn.
Systematically evaluate each option based on its definition.
Recall that 'Vernix caseosa' is the cheesy coating, 'Milia' are white spots, and 'Erythema' is redness.
Recognize that 'Lanugo' is the specific medical term for the fine, downy hair found on newborns.
Confirm your choice by matching the definition of lanugo with the description in the question stem.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Qlm70XJ2E658nCoNfUoaB

E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) pp. 132-134, 128-130

E6 Text Book Of Pediatric Nursing 3rd Panchali Pal — Part 1 (pp 36-238 of 713) p. 171-173

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