A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant at a well-child visit. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
A.
Lateral incisors
B.
Closed posterior fontanel
C.
Sitting steadily without support
D.
Uses thumb and index fingers in a pincer grasp
For a 6-month-old infant, the following expected findings are:
- B. Closed posterior fontanel
Explanation:
At around 6 months of age, the posterior fontanel (located at the back of the skull) is usually closed. The anterior fontanel (located at the front of the skull) remains open and gradually closes by 12-18 months.
Here’s why the other options are not expected at this age:
- A. Lateral incisors: These typically begin to erupt around 9-12 months. At 6 months, infants usually have their central incisors.
- C. Sitting steadily without support: Most infants can sit with support by 6 months, but sitting steadily without support typically develops between 8-9 months.
- D. Uses thumb and index fingers in a pincer grasp: The pincer grasp, where an infant can pick up small objects using the thumb and index finger, usually develops around 9-12 months.
Correct answer: B