A nurse is performing a newborn assessment and notes depressed fontanels. Which of the following is true regarding depressed fontanels in newborn assessment?
Depressed fontanelles are only seen in premature newborns.
Depressed fontanelles indicate infection.
Depressed fontanelles are a sign of dehydration.
Depressed fontanelles are a normal finding in newborns.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Depressed fontanelles are not exclusive to premature newborns. They can occur in both premature and full-term infants and are not an indicator of prematurity.
Choice B rationale
Depressed fontanelles do not indicate infection. Infections in newborns typically present with other symptoms such as fever, irritability, and poor feeding.
Choice C rationale
Depressed fontanelles are a sign of dehydration in newborns. When a newborn is dehydrated, the fontanelles can appear sunken due to the lack of fluid in the body.
Choice D rationale
Depressed fontanelles are not a normal finding in newborns. Normally, fontanelles should be flat or slightly curved inward. A depressed fontanelle is a clinical sign that requires further evaluation and intervention.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Erythema toxicum is a common, benign rash in newborns but does not cause swelling that crosses suture lines.
Choice B rationale
A caput succedaneum is swelling of the scalp that crosses suture lines and is caused by prolonged pressure on the head during delivery.
Choice C rationale
Mongolian spots are benign, flat, congenital birthmarks with wavy borders and irregular shapes, typically found on the lower back and buttocks, not the head.
Choice D rationale
A cephalhematoma is a collection of blood between the skull bone and its periosteum that does not cross suture lines. .
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
An apical pulse rate of 124 bpm is within the normal range for a neonate (110-160 bpm). There is no need to ask another nurse to verify the heart rate as it is not an abnormal finding.
Choice B rationale
Calling the provider for an apical pulse rate of 124 bpm is unnecessary as it is within the normal range for a neonate. This action would be appropriate if the heart rate were significantly outside the normal range.
Choice C rationale
Preparing the newborn for transport to the NICU for an apical pulse rate of 124 bpm is not warranted. The heart rate is within the normal range, and there is no indication for further cardiac observation.
Choice D rationale
Documenting the expected finding is the appropriate action. An apical pulse rate of 124 bpm is within the normal range for a neonate, and no further action is needed.