Question

Describe in brief the assessment of the head of a 3 month old female patient; include one usual abnormal findings and include instrument to be used for the process of assessment

Answer 1

For 3 month old baby we will assess the following :

• Assess the range of motion of head: gently move the head to observe the stiffness of neck. Observe the abilabilto control head range.
• Assess the fontanels: check if the fontanels are closed or open. For 3 month old patient the posterior fontanel will be closed.
• Look for any swelling and depression in the head
• Look for the symmetry of the head
• Assess the size of the head by measuring occipito frontal circumference. And compare it with the normal range.

One usual abnormal finding can be of the size of the head. It can be microcephaly or macrocephaly. Macrocephaly is more common and it can be caused due to genetic and environmental factors or due to hydrocephalus.

Instrument that we used is measuring tape which should be non elastic and error less. And the circumference is then measured from occipital most prominent part to the 2 fingers above the superior orbital ridge. For 3 month old it should be around 40cms.

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