Which condition refers to soft skull bones in newborns?

The condition that refers to soft skull bones in newborns is known as craniotabes. This condition is characterized by a specific change in the bone structure of the infant's skull, where the bones feel soft and pliable, often due to the absence of mineralization or vitamin D deficiency. Craniotabes is generally considered a benign condition that may resolve as the infant grows and their bones become stronger and more mineralized.

Understanding this condition is critical for neonatal care providers, as it can indicate a need for assessment of nutritional status, particularly vitamin D levels, and overall bone health in the infant. Monitoring and early detection are key to preventing any complications associated with insufficient calcium and vitamin D.

The other options represent different conditions unrelated to the softness of skull bones. Cephalohematoma refers to a collection of blood between the skull and the periosteum, usually resulting from birth trauma. Hydrocephalus is characterized by increased cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain, leading to increased head size. Microcephaly is a condition where the head circumference is smaller than normal for the infant's age and sex, often due to developmental issues. Each of these conditions has a different underlying cause and significance in neonatal care.