What finding indicates a potential issue in an infant with a cephalohematoma?

A yellowish tinge to the skin in an infant with a cephalohematoma can indicate hyperbilirubinemia or jaundice, which may develop as a result of the cephalohematoma itself. The condition occurs when blood collects between the skull and the periosteum due to trauma during birth, which can lead to increased red blood cell breakdown. As the blood is metabolized, it releases bilirubin, which can accumulate and cause jaundice, manifesting as a yellowish discoloration of the skin and sclera. Monitoring for jaundice is important as it may require intervention, such as phototherapy, especially if bilirubin levels become elevated.

Other findings, while important, do not directly relate to the complications associated with a cephalohematoma. Cyanosis of the limbs might indicate circulatory problems but is not specifically linked to cephalohematoma. Intermittent vomiting may suggest gastrointestinal or other systemic issues but does not have a direct connection to the cephalohematoma. The presence of a startle reflex is a normal developmental response in infants and does not indicate any medical complication associated with cephalohematoma.