a 3.8-kg infant was delivered vaginally at 39 weeks after a 30-minute second stage. there was a nuchal cord. after birth the infant is noted to have petechiae over the face and upper back. information given to the infant’s parents should be based on the knowledge that

a. are benign if they disappear within 48 hours of birth.
b. result from increased blood volume.
c. should always be further investigated.
d. usually occur with forceps delivery.

Are benign if they disappear within 48 hours of birth

Explanation:

Petechiae are also known as pinpoint hemorrhagic areas.These hemorrhagic areas are often acquired during birth and they may extend over the upper portion of the trunk and face. They usually occur with a breech presentation of vaginal birth, although in this case, they are soft-tissue injury resulting from the nuchal cord at birth. These lesions are benign if they disappear within 2 days of birth and no new lesions appear. However, if they do not disappear in 2 days, the situation is not alarming. Decreased platelet formation may also be a cause of this condition.