A new mother states that her infant must be cold because the hands and feet are blue. The nurse explains that this is a common and temporary condition called:

Question

1. acrocyanosis.
2. erythema neonatorum.
3. harlequin color.
4. vernix caseosa.

Answer 1

1
1. Correct. Acrocyanosis, or the appearance of slightly cyanotic hands and feet, is caused by vasomotor instability, capillary stasis, and a high hemoglobin level. Acrocyanosis is normal and appears intermittently over the first 7 to 10 days.
2. Incorrect. Erythema toxicum (also called erythema neonatorum) is a transient newborn rash that resembles flea bites.
3. Incorrect. The harlequin sign is a benign, transient color change in newborns. One half of the body is pale, whereas the other is ruddy or bluish red with a line of demarcation.
4. Incorrect. Vernix caseosa is a cheeselike whitish substance that serves as a protective covering.