Question 1
The nurse is assessing a newborn girl born at 40 weeks of gestation based on the parent's LMP. What assessment finding of the genitalia confirms this gestational age?
- A. labia majora covering clitoris and labia minora
- B. clitoris prominent, labia minora enlarged
- C. small labia minora, clitoris enlarged
- D. labia majora enlarged, labia minora small
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — labia majora covering clitoris and labia minora
The correct answer is A because at 40 weeks of gestation, the labia majora should completely cover the clitoris and labia minora. This is known as the "laboratory majora sign" and is characteristic of full-term newborns. Choice B is incorrect because a prominent clitoris and enlarged labia minora indicate a younger gestational age, typically around 36-38 weeks. Choice C is incorrect as small labia minora and enlarged clitoris suggest a preterm newborn, around 32-34 weeks. Choice D is incorrect as enlarged labia majora and small labia minora are more indicative of a post-term newborn, around 42 weeks or more. Overall, the correct answer, choice A, aligns with the expected genitalia findings for a newborn born at 40 weeks of gestation based on the parent's LMP.