Skills for Lab. Competence Head Circumference Measurement (Maternal-
Newborn) – CE
TEST
1. A new nurse is reviewing the newborn’s chart after
measurement of an above-normal head circumference. The
nurse knows that which condition may contribute to an
erroneously large measurement?
A. Craniosynostosis
B. Overriding sutures
C. Microcephaly
D. Severe cephalohematoma
Rationale: Erroneously large measurements are almost
impossible to make except in cases of severe
cephalohematoma or unusual molding. Microcephaly,
craniosynostosis, and overriding sutures do not contribute to
an erroneously large measurement.
2. The nurse measures the head circumference of an Asian
male newborn and discovers a discrepancy from the initial
measurement. The newborn has low-set ears, molding
caused by vaginal birth, scalp edema, and signs of
craniosynostosis. Which condition could affect the accuracy
of the head circumference measurement?
A. Asian race
B. Male sex
C. Low-set ears
D. Craniosynostosis
Rationale: Craniosynostosis (premature ossification of skull
sutures), molding, and edema have the potential to cause
inaccurate head circumference measurements. Neither the
fact that this newborn is an Asian male nor that he has low-
set ears should influence head circumference as long as the
tape measure stays above the ears.
, Measurements should be repeated as necessary after
molding and edema have resolved to obtain a more
accurate baseline
Newborn) – CE
TEST
1. A new nurse is reviewing the newborn’s chart after
measurement of an above-normal head circumference. The
nurse knows that which condition may contribute to an
erroneously large measurement?
A. Craniosynostosis
B. Overriding sutures
C. Microcephaly
D. Severe cephalohematoma
Rationale: Erroneously large measurements are almost
impossible to make except in cases of severe
cephalohematoma or unusual molding. Microcephaly,
craniosynostosis, and overriding sutures do not contribute to
an erroneously large measurement.
2. The nurse measures the head circumference of an Asian
male newborn and discovers a discrepancy from the initial
measurement. The newborn has low-set ears, molding
caused by vaginal birth, scalp edema, and signs of
craniosynostosis. Which condition could affect the accuracy
of the head circumference measurement?
A. Asian race
B. Male sex
C. Low-set ears
D. Craniosynostosis
Rationale: Craniosynostosis (premature ossification of skull
sutures), molding, and edema have the potential to cause
inaccurate head circumference measurements. Neither the
fact that this newborn is an Asian male nor that he has low-
set ears should influence head circumference as long as the
tape measure stays above the ears.
, Measurements should be repeated as necessary after
molding and edema have resolved to obtain a more
accurate baseline
