Which of the following is NOT a feature of caput succedaneum ? - Punjab CHO - 2021

Punjab CHO - 2021

Child Health Nursing (Pediatrics)

Medium

Appeared in: Punjab CHO - 2021

Explanation

The question asks to identify the statement that is NOT a feature of caput succedaneum.
The defining characteristic of caput succedaneum is that the swelling crosses the cranial suture lines because the fluid collection is superficial to the periosteum.
Therefore, the statement that the swelling is limited by suture lines is false for caput succedaneum.
This limitation by suture lines is the classic sign of a cephalohematoma, where the bleed is subperiosteal and confined to a single cranial bone.

Option A: This statement is a true feature of caput succedaneum. The swelling is an edematous infiltration of serosanguinous fluid into the soft tissues of the scalp.
Option B: This statement is a true feature of caput succedaneum. The swelling is typically soft, boggy, and demonstrates pitting on pressure. It is generally considered non-fluctuant as it is diffuse edema, unlike the contained, liquid feel of a cephalohematoma.
Option C: This statement is a true feature of caput succedaneum. The swelling is maximal at birth and resolves spontaneously and rapidly, usually within a few hours to a few days.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Differentiation between Caput Succedaneum and Cephalohematoma as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Correctly identifying caput succedaneum versus cephalohematoma is a fundamental nursing assessment skill in the neonatal unit.
Nurses can provide accurate reassurance to parents that caput succedaneum is a benign condition that resolves quickly without treatment.
A key nursing intervention for a newborn with a cephalohematoma is to monitor for hyperbilirubinemia (jaundice), as the breakdown of the collected red blood cells can increase bilirubin levels.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question, which is 'caput succedaneum'.
Second, notice the negative keyword 'NOT'. This means you are looking for the one option that is a false statement about caput succedaneum.
Third, recall or look up the key features of caput succedaneum. The most important features relate to its location, composition, and relationship to suture lines.
Evaluate each option: A) Contains serosanguinous fluid (True). B) Is soft (True). C) Disappears in a few days (True). D) Is limited by suture lines (False).
The false statement is the correct answer to the 'NOT' question.
It's also helpful to recall the features of the main differential diagnosis, cephalohematoma, as the incorrect feature of caput is often a correct feature of cephalohematoma.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 18-34