Question

Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take when obtaining the head circumference of an infant?

a) Measure at the hairline
b) Use a flexible tape measure
c) Measure above the ears
d) Allow for hair thickness during measurement

Answer 1

To measure an infant's head circumference, a medical assistant should use a flexible tape measure to find the largest measurement above the ears and eyebrows, taking the thickness of the hair into account.

Step-by-step explanation:

When obtaining the head circumference of an infant, the medical assistant should take the following actions:

• Use a flexible tape measure: A non-stretchable flexible tape measure is typically used to ensure accuracy.
• Measure at the point that yields the largest measurement, which is usually above the eyebrows and ears, and around the back of the head at the largest protrusion of the occipital bone.
• Allow for hair thickness during measurement by compressing the hair as flat as possible without altering the head shape.

The measurement should provide an accurate reflection of the infant's head size for health assessments and developmental tracking.