While performing physical assessment of a 12 month-old, the nurse notes that the infant’s anterior fontanel is still slightly open. Which of the following is the nurse’s most appropriate action?

Notify the physician immediately because there is a problem.Perform an intensive neurological examination.Perform an intensive developmental examination. Do nothing because this is a normal finding for the age.

Explanation.

The anterior fontanelle typically closes anywhere between 12 to 18 months of age. Thus, assessing the anterior fontanelle as still being slightly open is a normal finding requiring no further action. Because it is normal finding for this age, notifying he physician or performing additional examinations are inappropriate.