Registered Nurse Certified in Maternal Newborn Nursing (RNC-MNN) Practice Test

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A small lower jaw in a newborn may indicate which pathology?

  1. Facial nerve injury

  2. Pierre Robin syndrome

  3. Teratogenic injury

  4. Esophageal atresia

The correct answer is: Pierre Robin syndrome

A small lower jaw, also known as micrognathia, in a newborn is most commonly associated with Pierre Robin syndrome. This condition is characterized by a triad of symptoms: micrognathia, glossoptosis (downward displacement of the tongue), and airway obstruction. It often leads to feeding difficulties and respiratory problems in affected infants. The presence of a small lower jaw in newborns specifically indicates that developmental anomalies of the jaw structure may be present, which is a hallmark feature of Pierre Robin syndrome. In contrast, while facial nerve injury could lead to facial asymmetry or weakness, it is not specifically characterized by a small lower jaw. Teratogenic injuries might affect overall fetal growth and development, but they do not specifically indicate a small lower jaw without additional context. Esophageal atresia is a condition where the esophagus fails to develop correctly; while it can be present in conjunction with other developmental issues, it is not directly associated with the size of the lower jaw. Therefore, the identification of a small lower jaw in a newborn points strongly to Pierre Robin syndrome as the underlying pathology.