Fontanelles
Fontanelles ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is measuring the head circumference of a 6-month-old infant.
The nurse notes that the anterior fontanel is 4 cm in size and the posterior fontanel is closed.
How should the nurse interpret these findings?
The posterior fontanel is not delayed in closing. It usually closes by 3 months of age.
The anterior fontanel is normal and the posterior fontanel is normal.
According to , the average size of the anterior fontanel is 2.1 cm, and the median time of closure is 13.8 months. The posterior fontanel generally closes 2 to 3 months after birth.
Therefore, a 6-month-old infant with an anterior fontanel of 4 cm and a closed posterior fontanel is within the normal range.
The anterior fontanel is not enlarged. It can range from 0.6 cm to 3.6 cm with a mean of 2.1 cm.
Both the anterior and posterior fontanels are normal, not enlarged or delayed in closing.
The anterior fontanel is normal and the posterior fontanel is normal.
According to , the average size of the anterior fontanel is 2.1 cm, and the median time of closure is 13.8 months. The posterior fontanel generally closes 2 to 3 months after 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 are 39.59 to 44.34 cm for girls and 40.89 to 45.34 cm for boys, according to the CDC.