Inpatient Obstetric Nurse Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Guide

Caput succedaneum refers to a localized swelling of the scalp that occurs as a result of the pressure exerted during labor, particularly during a vaginal delivery. This condition is characterized by the soft tissue swelling that generally crosses suture lines because it is caused by the accumulation of interstitial fluid and is not confined to a defined area or vessel.

The swelling is typically benign and resolves on its own within a few days. It is important for nurses and healthcare professionals to recognize caput succedaneum as a common and usually harmless finding in newborns, having post-delivery observations and assessments to differentiate it from other conditions like cephalohematoma or significant trauma.

The other options describe conditions that involve different mechanisms or results. A collection of blood beneath the skull, for instance, refers to a cephalohematoma, which does not cross suture lines and presents differently. Tissue necrosis relates to severe damage and isn't applicable in this context. Lastly, fetal distress encompasses a range of abnormalities in fetal heart rate or other indicators during labor, which is distinct from the physical manifestations seen in caput succedaneum.