Question

A young mother delivers a healthy 7lb 12oz boy. She confides to the nurse that she concerned about the two "soft spots" she found on her baby's head. The nurse's response should be based on which of the following?

a. both the baby's fontanels should close within the first month
b. both the baby's fontanels should close within six months
c. The baby's posterior fontanel should close after one year
d. The baby's anterior fontanel should close after about a year and a half.

Answer 1

The nurse should reassure the mother that the soft spots, or fontanels, are normal and close naturally as the baby develops - the posterior fontanel closes within the first few months and the anterior fontanel closes by 9 to 18 months of age.

Step-by-step explanation:

The concern about the soft spots on a newborn's head, known as fontanels, is quite common among new parents. It is important for the nurse to reassure the mother that these soft spots are normal and necessary for the birth process. The posterior fontanel typically closes during the first two or three months after birth. The larger anterior fontanel is located at the top front of the skull and usually closes by the time the child is 9 to 18 months old. The fontanels allow for the growth of the baby's brain and skull in the first year of life.