Final answer:
The process of measuring the circumference of an infant's head is called mensuration. It is important for tracking growth and identifying health issues, and it involves using a measuring tape to wrap around the infant's head at the largest part.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of determining the circumference of an infant’s head is referred to as mensuration. This type of measurement is crucial in assessing an infant's growth and development. Health professionals use a measuring tape to wrap around the largest part of the infant’s head, usually just above the eyebrows and ears, and around the back of the head where it bulges out.
Comparing the values obtained to standardized growth charts helps healthcare providers identify potential health issues like microcephaly or macrocephaly. In contrast, the other options such as manipulation refer to physically handling or moving parts of the body, palpation involves feeling the body to examine it, auscultation is listening to the internal sounds of the body, usually with a stethoscope, and inspection is purely visual examination.