Final answer:
If the nurse can't palpate fontanels for the infant, it may indicate a potential issue with the infant's skull. This could be a sign of craniosynostosis or another abnormality. Further evaluation by a healthcare provider is necessary.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the nurse can't palpate fontanels for the infant, it may indicate a potential issue with the infant's skull. Fontanels are soft spots in a baby's skull where the bones have not yet fully fused together. They allow for the flexibility necessary for the baby to pass through the birth canal during delivery. If the fontanels cannot be felt, it could mean that the bones have already fused together, which could be a sign of craniosynostosis or another abnormality.
It's important to note that the closure of fontanels occurs at different times. The anterior fontanel at the top front of the skull typically closes by 12–18 months of age, while the posterior fontanel at the back of the head usually closes by 2–3 months after birth. However, each baby is different, and closure times may vary.
If a nurse is unable to palpate the fontanels, further evaluation and assessment by a healthcare provider, such as a pediatrician or a specialist, would be necessary to determine the cause and appropriate course of action.