A newborn infant is in the clinic for a well-baby checkup. The nurse observes the infant for the possibility of fluid loss because of which of these factors?

A) Subcutaneous fat deposits are high in the newborn.
B) Sebaceous glands are overproductive in the newborn.
C) The newborn's skin is more permeable than that of the adult.
D) The amount of vernix caseosa dramatically rises in the newborn.

The newborn's skin is thin, smooth, and elastic and is relatively more permeable than that of the adult; consequently, the infant is at greater risk for fluid loss. The subcutaneous layer in the infant is inefficient, not thick, and the sebaceous glands are present but decrease in size and production. Vernix caseosa is not produced after birth. The subcutaneous layer in the infant is inefficient, not thick, and the sebaceous glands are present but decrease in size and production. Infants are at greater risk for fluid loss because the newborn's skin is thin, smooth, and elastic and is relatively more permeable than that of the adult.