A nurse is teaching a new mother how to care for her infant’s fontanelles.
Which of the following statements by the mother indicates a need for further teaching?
“I should gently wash and dry the fontanelles when I bathe my baby.”
“I should report any signs of bulging or sunken fontanelles to the doctor.”
“I should avoid touching the fontanelles because they are very sensitive.”
“I should expect the fontanelles to close by the time my baby is 2 years old.”.
The Correct Answer is C
The mother should avoid touching the fontanelles because they are very sensitive.
This statement indicates a need for further teaching because it is a misconception. The fontanelles are not sensitive and can be gently touched and washed without causing any harm to the infant.
Choice A is correct because the fontanelles should be gently washed and dried when bathing the baby to prevent infection.
Choice B is correct because signs of bulging or sunken fontanelles can indicate increased or decreased intracranial pressure, which requires medical attention.
Choice D is correct because the fontanelles usually close by 18 months of age, but some variation is normal.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The anterior fontanel is normal and the posterior fontanel is normal.
According to, the average size of the anterior fontanel is2.1 cm, and the median time of closure is13.8 months.The posterior fontanel generally closes2 to 3 monthsafter birth.
Therefore, a 6-month-old infant with an anterior fontanel of 4 cm and a closed posterior fontanel is within the normal range.
Choice A is wrong because the posterior fontanel is not delayed in closing.It usually closes by 3 months of age.
Choice C is wrong because the anterior fontanel is not enlarged.It can range from 0.6 cm to 3.6 cm with a mean of 2.1 cm.
Choice D is wrong because both the anterior and posterior fontanels are normal, not enlarged or delayed in closing.
Normal ranges for head circumference of a 6-month-old infant are39.59 to 44.34 cmfor girlsand40.89 to 45.34 cmfor boys, according to the CDC.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The mother should avoid touching the fontanelles because they are very sensitive.
This statement indicates a need for further teaching because it is a misconception.The fontanelles are not sensitive and can be gently touched and washed without causing any harm to the infant.
Choice A is correct because the fontanelles should be gently washed and dried when bathing the baby to prevent infection.
Choice B is correct because signs of bulging or sunken fontanelles can indicate increased or decreased intracranial pressure, which requires medical attention.
Choice D is correct because the fontanelles usually close by 18 months of age, but some variation is normal.
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