A mother has recently been informed that her child has Down’s syndrome. You will be assigned to care for the child at shift change. Which of the following characteristics is not associated with Down’s syndrome?
A. Simian crease
B. Brachycephaly
C. Oily skin
D. Hypotonicity
Correct Answer: C. Oily skin
The skin would be dry and not oily.
Option A: Simian crease refers to a single crease across the palm of the hand and is prominent among those with Down’s syndrome.
Option B: Brachycephaly is described as a shortening of the occipitofrontal diameter (front to the back of the head) of the fetal head. Postnatally, it is well established that babies with Down syndrome often had signs of brachycephaly in utero.
Option D: Patients with Down syndrome have low muscle tone or hypotonia, and ligaments that are too loose (ligament laxity). It leaves the client’s muscles feeling too relaxed.