Inpatient Obstetric Nurse (NCC) Practice Exam 2026 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

Cephalohematoma is accurately defined as a collection of blood that occurs between the periosteal membrane and the skull bone, typically as a result of traumatic birth. This condition is specifically associated with the head and represents a localized area of bleeding that does not cross suture lines, distinguishing it from other types of hematomas such as caput succedaneum.

The periosteal membrane is a layer of tissue covering the outer surface of the skull, and the bleeding occurs beneath this layer due to the effects of pressure during delivery. The accumulation of blood can lead to increased head circumference in the newborn and may require monitoring, although it often resolves on its own over time without intervention. Understanding the nature and location of the bleeding is important for proper assessment and management in neonates.

Other potential options do not accurately describe cephalohematoma. For example, a bruise on the baby’s back would refer to a different type of injury unrelated to the cranial region, while fluid accumulation in the lungs and bone fractures during birth are distinct medical conditions that do not pertain to the specific definition of cephalohematoma.