Question

This assessment finding would allow a nurse to suspect the presence of Down syndrome in a newborn.
A. Short palpebral tissues and flat maxillary area
B. Prominent scalp veins and high-pitched cry
C. Persistent post-natal growth lag and microcephaly
D. Single palmar crease and hypotonia

Answer 1

Hint:
Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder in which there is an extra copy of the gene in the 21st chromosome. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities and facial features. The occurrence of Down syndrome is more in males than females. There are three different types of Down syndrome such as trisomy 21, translocation, and mosaicism.

Complete step by step answer:
After the baby is born it is easier for a nurse to make out the condition based on the facial appearance. These features may include a flat facial profile, almond-shaped upward slant eyes, epicanthic folds, a protruding tongue, a flat nasal bridge, small ears, single crease on the palms of the hands called a palmar crease, short limbs, short physique, decreased muscle tone known as hypotonia and a small head.
Microcephaly can occur because of a lack of a baby's brain development during pregnancy, or the brain has stopped growing after birth, resulting in a smaller head size. ‌ A high-pitched cry is a symptom of cri-du-chat syndrome. The flat maxillary area is a dental problem, and persistent post-natal growth lag is due to a lack of nutrition. Short palpebral tissue is a symptom of Williams syndrome, and a prominent scalp vein is a sign of increased blood volume in the blood vessels in the brain.

Option ‘D’ is correct

Note:
Age of the mother is one of the considerable factors for the occurrence of Down syndrome in babies. There is no scientific proof of the occurrence of Down syndrome due to any environmental condition or any particular activity during pregnancy.