MEDizzy - The nurse is assessing a 3-month-old infant with a head

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Neonates Toddlers and Children

The nurse is assessing a 3-month-old infant with a head injury for increased intracranial pressure. On palpation of the fontanels, the nurse notes that the anterior fontanel has not closed and is soft and flat. The nurse should first:

ExplanationThe anterior fontanel typically closes between 12 and 18 months of age. The nurse expects the normal finding to be flat and soft. A bulging, firm fontanel may suggest an increase in the intracranial pressure or fluid overload. A sunken, depressed fontanel may suggest dehydration for the infant.