8. Ballard Scale

what does the Ballard Scale assess? *

gestational maturity using physical and neuromuscular findings

what gestational age range can the Ballard Scale estimate? *

approximately 20–44 weeks

which six physical features are assessed with the Ballard Scale? *

skin, lanugo, plantar creases, breast tissue, eyes and ears, and genitalia

how does skin differ between a premature and term newborn?

premature skin is thin, sticky, and translucent;term skin is more developed;postterm skin may be dry, cracked, and peeling

how do plantar creases change with gestational maturity?

premature newborns have few or no creases;creases cover more of the sole as maturity increases

how do breast tissue and ear recoil change with gestational maturity?

more breast tissue and firmer ears with stronger recoil

which male genital findings indicate greater gestational maturity?

descended testes and deeper scrotal rugae

which female genital findings indicate greater gestational maturity?

greater labial coverage of the clitoris

which six neuromuscular findings are assessed with the Ballard Scale? *

posture, square window, arm recoil, popliteal angle, scarf sign, and heel-to-ear

what posture indicates greater gestational maturity?

stronger spontaneous flexion

what does the square-window assessment measure? *

the angle of wrist flexion;a smaller angle indicates greater maturity

what does the arm-recoil assessment measure?

how strongly the arms return to flexion after being extended and released;stronger recoil indicates greater maturity

what does the popliteal-angle assessment measure?

resistance to extending the lower leg with the thigh flexed;a smaller angle indicates greater maturity

what is the scarf-sign assessment?

drawing the arm across the chest to assess resistance;the elbow crosses the midline more easily in a premature newborn

what does the heel-to-ear assessment measure?

resistance when bringing the foot toward the ear;the heel moves closer to the ear in a premature newborn