What finding would a nurse expect during the assessment of a newborn with a gestational age of 42 weeks?

In the assessment of a newborn who is 42 weeks gestational age, a nurse can expect to see dryness and flaking of the skin on the hands and feet. This is a common finding in post-term infants. As the pregnancy extends beyond the typical duration, the amniotic fluid levels may decrease, leading to reduced protection for the skin. Consequently, the skin of post-term infants may appear dry, and desquamation (flaking) often occurs.

Furthermore, dryness and flaking may result from the absence of the protective vernix caseosa, which gradually diminishes closer to and after term. Neonates at this age can often exhibit physical signs that indicate they are post-term, such as a more mature appearance and various signs of aging, which contribute to the observed skin condition.

Other options present atypical findings for a post-term infant. Jaundice occurring within the first 24 hours is usually associated with other pathologies, increased body temperature is not a typical assessment finding for this age group, and while post-term infants may be larger in size, not all will necessarily weigh more than average at birth, as many factors contribute to birth weight aside from gestational age alone.