Wongs Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank Related

Review Wongs Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank related questions and content

While examining a 2-year-old child, Nurse Galina sees that the anterior fontanel is open. She should:

  • A. Notify the doctor
  • B. Look for other signs of abuse
  • C. Recognize this as a normal finding
  • D. Ask about a family history of Tay-Sachs disease
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Nurse Galina should recognize an open anterior fontanel as a normal finding in a 2-year-old child. The anterior fontanel is a soft spot on a baby's skull where the skull bones have not yet fused together. It usually closes by the time a child is 18 to 24 months old. The open fontanel at 2 years of age is within the normal range of closure, and it is not a cause for concern in this case. No need to notify the doctor, look for other signs of abuse, or ask about a family history of Tay-Sachs disease based on this finding.