Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam

Port wine stains may be associated with which of the following?

1. Amblyopia

2. Craniosynostosis

3. Mental retardation

4. Hearing deficits

The correct answer is: Mental retardation

Port wine stains, which are vascular malformations characterized by flat, red birthmarks, are commonly associated with a condition known as Sturge-Weber syndrome. This syndrome can lead to various neurological issues, including developmental delays and intellectual disability. Therefore, mental retardation is a correct association with port wine stains, especially when they are part of a pattern that indicates the presence of Sturge-Weber syndrome, which involves capillary malformations. In some cases, the location and extent of the port wine stain can correspond to underlying vein abnormalities and neurological implications, reinforcing the likelihood of cognitive impairments. The presence of such stains, particularly on the face and forehead, may warrant further investigation for associated neurological conditions. While the other options may represent conditions that could, in very specific cases, be indirectly related through a complex interplay of factors, they do not have a direct association with port wine stains as recognized in medical literature. This underlines the importance of understanding the direct implications of conditions like Sturge-Weber syndrome concerning cognitive function.