Preterm birth
Preterm birth ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is measuring the head circumference of a preterm infant.
Which of the following methods should the nurse use to ensure accuracy?
This is the recommended method for measuring the head circumference of a preterm infant. It ensures accuracy by capturing the largest dimension of the head, which reflects the growth of the brain.
It does not measure the widest part of the head, which may be above or below the occiput.
It does not measure the widest part of the head, which may be above or below the ears.
It does not measure the widest part of the head, which may be above or below the chin.
This is the recommended method for measuring the head circumference of a preterm infant.
It ensures accuracy by capturing the largest dimension of the head, which reflects the growth of the brain.
Choice B is wrong because it does not measure the widest part of the head, which may be above or below the occiput.
Choice C is wrong because it does not measure the widest part of the head, which may be above or below the ears.
Choice D is wrong because it does not measure the widest part of the head, which may be above or below the chin.
The normal range for head circumference at birth for preterm infants born between 32 and 42 weeks gestation is about 25 to 36 cm. Head circumference should be measured and plotted regularly until two years of age for preterm infants.