RN Physiological Adaptation NCLEX Questions Related

Review RN Physiological Adaptation NCLEX Questions related questions and content

On assessment of a newborn being admitted to the nursery, the nurse palpates the anterior fontanel and notes that it feels soft. The nurse determines that this finding indicates which condition?

  • A. Dehydration
  • B. A normal finding
  • C. Increased intracranial pressure
  • D. Decreased intracranial pressure
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The anterior fontanel is normally 2 to 3 cm in width, 3 to 4 cm in length, and diamond-like in shape. It can be described as soft, which is normal, or full and bulging, which could indicate increased intracranial pressure. Conversely a depressed fontanel could mean that the infant is dehydrated.