The anterior fontanel normally closes between the ages of?

Appeared in: HPSSC - 2015

Explanation

The anterior fontanel is the diamond-shaped soft spot on the top of an infant's skull.
Normal closure occurs between 12 and 18 months of age, allowing for rapid brain growth during the first year of life.
The option of 18 months represents the typical upper limit for the closure of the anterior fontanel, making it the correct answer.

Option A: This is too early for the anterior fontanel to close. The smaller, triangular posterior fontanel is the one that typically closes by 2-3 months (around 8 weeks).
Option B: At 9 months, the anterior fontanel is still wide open to accommodate the rapidly growing brain. Closure by this age would be considered premature and abnormal.
Option C: This is significantly too early for the anterior fontanel's closure. The fontanel remains open and palpable at this age.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Normal infant developmental milestones: Fontanel closure as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Assessing the fontanels is a critical part of the neonatal and infant physical examination, providing vital clues about hydration status and intracranial pressure.
A sunken fontanel is a key sign of dehydration, prompting the nurse to assess for other signs like poor skin turgor and decreased urine output, and to initiate rehydration.
A bulging or tense fontanel is a red flag for increased intracranial pressure and requires immediate medical evaluation for conditions like meningitis or hydrocephalus.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question about a key developmental milestone in infancy.
Identify the keyword from the question stem: 'anterior fontanel'.
Recall the normal timeframes for the closure of both the anterior and posterior fontanels.
Remember that the anterior fontanel is larger and closes much later than the posterior one.
Compare the given options to the known range for anterior fontanel closure, which is 12-18 months.
Select the option that falls within or represents the end of this normal range.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q9yJPA4dwux2JVL3YFGTSS

E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health NursingShyamala D part 1 (pp 26-389 of 389) p. 300-302

E6 Midwifery Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Sandeep Kaur p. 53-66

Practise the full HPSSC - 2015

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.