Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

In pediatrics, what does a closed anterior fontanelle indicate in an infant around 6 months old?

1. Normal growth and development

2. Delay in development

3. Signs of dehydration

4. Need for medical evaluation

The correct answer is: Normal growth and development

The closure of the anterior fontanelle in an infant around 6 months old is generally considered a normal part of growth and development. The anterior fontanelle is the soft spot on the top of a baby's head where the bones of the skull have not yet fused. It typically begins to close between 6 to 18 months, with most infants having it closed by the time they reach the age of 12 months. When the anterior fontanelle closes within this expected timeframe, it indicates that the baby's skull is developing normally and that the brain is growing appropriately. Additionally, the closure should be assessed in conjunction with other developmental milestones to ensure that the infant is progressing as expected in various areas, including motor skills, social behavior, and language development. The timing of fontanelle closure can vary among individual infants, but the closure at around 6 months is still within the normal range and does not suggest any issues such as developmental delays, dehydration, or the need for medical evaluation unless there are other concerning signs present.