Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam

How does Caput Succedaneum typically feel upon palpation?

1. Hard and firm

2. Soft and spongy

3. Tender and warm

4. Heavy and swollen

The correct answer is: Soft and spongy

Caput succedaneum is characterized by a collection of fluid that accumulates in the soft tissues of the baby's head, typically as a result of pressure during a prolonged or complicated delivery. Upon palpation, this swelling feels soft and spongy, which is indicative of the edema present in the tissues. This texture is primarily due to the accumulation of serosanguineous fluid that doesn't adhere tightly to the underlying bone, allowing for that characteristic "molding" of the skull during childbirth. The softness is a crucial feature that differentiates caput succedaneum from other conditions, such as cephalohematoma, which would feel firmer due to the presence of blood confined between the skull and periosteum. Understanding the palpation characteristics of caput succedaneum is essential for proper diagnosis and management, as it reflects a transient condition that typically resolves without intervention.