The medical term for the soft spot is called fontanelle.
The Correct Answer is ["The medical term for the soft spot on a baby's skull is fontanelle (or fontanel)."]
The medical term for the soft spot on a baby's skull is fontanelle (or fontanel). Fontanelles are gaps between the bones of the skull that allow for the baby's brain to grow and accommodate rapid brain development during infancy. There are typically two fontanelles in a newborn's skull: the anterior fontanelle (located at the top/front of the head) and the posterior fontanelle (located at the back of the head). These fontanelles are composed of connective tissue and remain open during the early months of life, gradually closing as the baby's skull bones fuse together over time. Healthcare professionals often assess fontanelles during routine physical exams of infants. The fontanelle's size and tension can provide valuable information about the baby's hydration status, intracranial pressure, and neurological development.
Normally, the fontanelles should feel relatively soft and flat, indicating proper hydration and brain development. If the fontanelles are sunken or overly tense, it may suggest dehydration or increased intracranial pressure, which requires further evaluation and management. The proper examination of fontanelles is an essential part of newborn care, and any abnormalities observed during assessment should be promptly reported to the healthcare provider for appropriate evaluation and intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
"My baby will be placed under special lights if the test is elevated.”.
Choice A rationale:
This statement indicates a need for further teaching. Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disorder that leads to the accumulation of phenylalanine in the body. If the PKU test is elevated, it means that the baby has high levels of phenylalanine, and immediate dietary intervention is required. The parent's statement about special lights suggests a confusion with jaundice treatment, which is not related to PKU.
Choice B rationale:
This statement is accurate. Before the PKU test is done, the baby needs to consume formula or breast milk to ensure accurate test results.
Choice C rationale:
This statement is also accurate. PKU is a genetic disorder that can be managed with a special diet low in phenylalanine. By adhering to the prescribed diet, the harmful effects of PKU can be minimized.
Choice D rationale:
This statement is accurate. It is common for the PKU test to be repeated at the 2-week check- up to confirm the initial results and ensure early detection and management of PKU if present.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Pseudomenstration is a normal finding in newborn females due to the withdrawal of maternal hormones. It is not a cause for concern and typically resolves within a few days after birth.
Choice B rationale:
Positive Ortolan's test is a concerning finding in a newborn and indicates the possibility of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). This test is used to check for hip instability, and a positive result may warrant further evaluation and intervention to prevent long-term hip problems.
Choice C rationale:
Dermal melanosis, also known as Mongolian spots, is a common benign condition in newborns with dark skin. It appears as blue or gray patches and typically fades within the first few years of life. While it may be alarming to parents, it is not a cause for immediate concern.
Choice D rationale:
Gynecomastia, the enlargement of breast tissue in male infants, is relatively common and is caused by the transfer of maternal hormones during pregnancy. It usually resolves on its own within a few weeks and does not pose a significant health risk.
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