A nurse is assessing the fontanels of a crying newborn and notes that the posterior fontanel pulsates and briefly bulges. What do these findings indicate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The posterior fontanel pulsating and briefly bulging, especially in a crying newborn, is considered a normal finding. The fontanels are soft spots on a baby's head which allow for brain growth and skull expansion. Pulsation is due to the normal pulsation of the brain's blood vessels, and bulging can occur with increased pressure during crying but should not be persistent.

A Nurse Is Assessing the Fontanels of a Crying Newborn