While caring for a one-day-old newborn, the nurse performs her morning assessment. When assessing the chest comparatively to the head, she would expect
Explanation
• The chest circumference in a term newborn is usually about 2 cm less than the head circumference.
• Chest circumference is measured at the level of the nipples. If edema of the breasts is present, this measurement will not be accurate until the edema has subsided.
• A mature newborn with a head circumference greater than 37 cm or less than 33 cm should be carefully investigated for neurologic involvement.