A nurse is assessing a 4-month-old infant on a pediatric unit.
Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Uses thumb and index fingers in a pincer grasp.
Closed posterior fontanel.
Lateral incisors.
Sitting steadily without support.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
A pincer grasp, using the thumb and index finger to pick up small objects, typically develops around 9 to 12 months of age, not at 4 months.
Choice B rationale
The posterior fontanel typically closes by the age of 2 to 3 months, so a 4-month-old infant would be expected to have a closed posterior fontanel. This finding is consistent with normal development.
Choice C rationale
Lateral incisors, the teeth on either side of the front teeth, typically erupt around 9 to 13 months of age, not at 4 months.
Choice D rationale
Sitting steadily without support generally occurs closer to 6 to 8 months of age, so it would not be expected in a 4-month-old infant.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Placing a baby’s crib next to a heater can pose a risk of overheating or burns. Newborns should be kept at a safe distance from heaters to prevent accidents.
Choice B rationale
Removing extra blankets from the crib is recommended to reduce the risk of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This choice reflects an understanding of crib safety.
Choice C rationale
Padding the mattress can pose suffocation risks and is not recommended. A firm mattress without any padding is the safest option for newborns.
Choice D rationale
Placing a baby on their stomach to sleep increases the risk of SIDS. The recommended sleeping position for newborns is on their back, as this significantly reduces the risk.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Preterm newborns have underdeveloped mechanisms for thermoregulation, making it difficult for them to maintain stable body temperatures without external assistance.
Choice B rationale
Preterm newborns do not sweat significantly because their sweat glands are not fully developed; thus, this rationale is incorrect.
Choice C rationale
Preterm newborns actually have a larger body surface area relative to their weight, contributing to their difficulty in maintaining body temperature.
Choice D rationale
Preterm newborns have insufficient brown fat, not an excess, which impairs their ability to generate heat effectively.