After a long labor, the mother is concerned about the swelling of her baby's scalp. The newborn is 24 hours old. The nurse palpates the scalp and finds swelling that extends across the suture lines. In addition to explaining the probable cause of the swelling and the time of resolution, the nurse explains that the term for this condition is:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Caput succedaneum is a condition characterized by swelling of the newborn's scalp, which often appears as a result of the pressure exerted on the baby's head during delivery. Unlike cephalhematoma, caput succedaneum can cross suture lines. It typically resolves on its own within a few days after birth without requiring any treatment.

After a Long Labor, the Mother Is Concerned About the Swelling