When assessing a newborn shortly after birth, the nurse finds flat, irregular pinkish marks the forehead, the nape of the neck and the eyelids. The areas blanch when pressed with a finger. The nurse would document this finding as:
Explanation & Rationale
A) Milia: Milia are tiny white or yellowish cysts that appear on a newborn's face, particularly on the nose, chin, or forehead. They are caused by the accumulation of keratin under the skin. Milia usually disappear within a few weeks of life and are not related to the pinkish marks described in the question. B) Telangiectatic nevi (stork bites): This finding is consistent with telangiectatic nevi, also known as stork bites. These are flat, irregular, pinkish-red marks often found on the forehead, eyelids, and nape of the neck. They are caused by dilated capillaries in the skin and are common in newborns. The marks blanch when pressed and are usually harmless, disappearing within the first 1-2 years of life. This is the correct answer based on the description provided in the question. C) Nevus flammeus (port wine stain): A port wine stain is a dark red to purple, flat birthmark caused by capillary malformations. Unlike stork bites, a port wine stain does not blanch when pressed and is typically present for life. It usually appears on the face, neck, or arms, and the coloration remains the same over time. D) Nevus vasculosus (strawberry mark): A strawberry mark is a raised, red, and bumpy birthmark that results from proliferation of capillaries. These marks typically appear in the first few weeks of life and grow in size before eventually shrinking and disappearing by the age of 5-10 years. Strawberry marks are not flat, pinkish, or blanchable, making this option unlikely in the scenario described.