Which findings are typical for prematurity?

Which findings are typical for prematurity?

• A. Thick skin and abundant lanugo
• B. Opaque skin and large areola
• C. Translucent skin and sparse lanugo
• D. Puffy cheeks and thickened ear tissue

Answer: (C)

Translucent skin and sparse lanugo are indeed typical findings for prematurity. Premature infants often exhibit skin that appears thinner and less developed than that of full-term infants, leading to a translucent appearance. This is due to the fact that subcutaneous fat deposits, which contribute to the appearance of thicker skin, are less developed in preterm infants. Additionally, premature infants typically have less lanugo, which is the fine, soft hair that covers the body of a fetus. As gestation progresses, lanugo decreases, and by full term, it is usually sparse or absent. Therefore, the combination of translucent skin and sparse lanugo effectively reflects the physical characteristics seen in infants born prematurely. Other choices present findings that are not consistent with prematurity, such as thick skin, abundant lanugo, or features related to more developed infants. These characteristics are generally indicative of infants who have reached a more advanced stage of gestation.

Translucent skin and sparse lanugo are indeed typical findings for prematurity. Premature infants often exhibit skin that appears thinner and less developed than that of full-term infants, leading to a translucent appearance. This is due to the fact that subcutaneous fat deposits, which contribute to the appearance of thicker skin, are less developed in preterm infants.

Additionally, premature infants typically have less lanugo, which is the fine, soft hair that covers the body of a fetus. As gestation progresses, lanugo decreases, and by full term, it is usually sparse or absent. Therefore, the combination of translucent skin and sparse lanugo effectively reflects the physical characteristics seen in infants born prematurely.

Other choices present findings that are not consistent with prematurity, such as thick skin, abundant lanugo, or features related to more developed infants. These characteristics are generally indicative of infants who have reached a more advanced stage of gestation.