Physiological NCLEX RN Questions Related

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The nurse, while caring for a hospitalized infant being monitored for increased intracranial pressure (ICP), notes that the anterior fontanel bulges when the infant cries. Based on this assessment finding, which conclusion should the nurse draw?

  • A. That no action is required.
  • B. The head of the bed needs to be lowered.
  • C. The infant needs to be placed on NPO status.
  • D. The primary health care provider should be notified immediately.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A bulging anterior fontanel in an infant when crying is a normal finding, as crying increases intracranial pressure temporarily. This does not indicate a pathological condition requiring immediate intervention. Lowering the head of the bed or placing the infant on NPO status is not warranted, and notifying the primary health care provider is unnecessary unless other signs of increased ICP, such as persistent bulging at rest, irritability, or lethargy, are present.