While working in a public health clinic, the nurse assesses a child who is 3 years old. The nurse finds an open and wide anterior fontanel. The nurse is aware that an open anterior fontanel at this age most likely is:

Question

a. normal c. due to disease, such as rickets
b. a result of prolonged dehydration d. due to a congenital disorder

Answer 1

C

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A Incorrect. The finding of an open and wide anterior fontanel in a 3 year old child is not normal.
B Incorrect. The finding of an open and wide anterior fontanel in a 3 year old child is not the result of prolonged dehydration, but a sunken depressed fontanel points to improper hydration.
C Correct. A wide anterior fontanel in a child older than 2 1/2 years is an abnormal finding. An anterior fontanel that remains open after 2 1/2 years of age may indicate disease such as rickets.
D Incorrect. The finding of an open and wide anterior fontanel in a 3 year old child is not due to a congenital disorder.