Where is a cephalhematoma primarily located?

Prepare for the NCC Low Risk Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations to help you succeed and get ready for your exam!

A cephalhematoma is primarily located below the periosteum and is confined by the cranial sutures. This means that it forms as a result of bleeding between the periosteum (the fibrous membrane covering the skull) and the skull itself, typically as a result of pressure during delivery. Because it is confined by the cranial sutures, a cephalhematoma will not cross these sutures, which distinguishes it from other types of head injuries, like caput succedaneum. The accumulation of blood in a cephalhematoma is encapsulated by the periosteum, which allows it to be distinguished clinically by its limited expansion relative to the sutures, indicating the area of damage and accumulation. Understanding this location is crucial for proper assessment and management of newborns with head injuries.

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