The primary care pediatric nurse practitioner performs a well baby exam on a term 4-month-old infant and observes flattening of the left occiput, bossing of the right occiput, and anterior displacement of the left ear. The parents report performing various positioning maneuvers, but say that the baby's head shape has worsened. What will the nurse practitioner recommend to correct this finding?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presentation in the question describes positional plagiocephaly, which is a common condition caused by prolonged positioning on one side of the head. The recommended treatment for severe cases is cranial orthotic molding therapy, which involves the use of a specialized helmet to direct head growth and correct head shape. Options A and B are helpful in preventing positional plagiocephaly but are not effective treatments for established cases. A head CT is not needed in this case since the etiology is already known, and CT is not a first-line diagnostic tool for positional plagiocephaly.

The Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Performs a Well Baby