Pediatric NCLEX Questions Related

Review Pediatric NCLEX Questions related questions and content

While examining a 2-year-old child, the nurse in charge sees that the anterior fontanel is open. The nurse 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: In infants and young children, it is normal for the anterior fontanel to remain open up to about 18-24 months of age. The fontanel serves an important function in allowing the skull to grow and expand as the brain grows rapidly during infancy. Therefore, the presence of an open fontanel in a 2-year-old child is a normal finding and does not warrant any immediate concern or action. It does not indicate abuse, the need to notify the doctor, or inquire about a family history of Tay-Sachs disease.