A mother of a 16-week-old infant is concerned because she cannot feel the posterior fontanelle on her infant. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?

1. "Your baby must be dehydrated."
2. "Bring your infant to the clinic immediately."
3. "This is due to overriding of the cranial bones during labor."
4. "It is normal for the posterior fontanelle to close by 8 to 12 weeks after birth."


4
Explanation:
1. Fontanelles can be depressed when the infant is dehydrated.
2. The posterior fontanelle closes within 8 to 12 weeks. This is a normal finding at 16 weeks, and does not require emergency evaluation.
3. Overriding of the cranial bones is referred to as molding, and will diminish within a few days following birth.
4. This is a normal finding at 16 weeks. The posterior fontanelle closes within 8 to 12 weeks.

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