Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

If a week-old infant has several "soft spots" on his skull, the mother is most likely advised to:

1. Purchase a helmet-like device to help protect her baby's skull.

2. Relax because these spots will allow for positional skull flattening.

3. Bring the baby in for immediate medical attention.

4. Relax because these spots are nature's way of allowing for brain growth.

The correct answer is: Relax because these spots are nature's way of allowing for brain growth.

The presence of "soft spots," known as fontanelles, on a week-old infant's skull is a normal and natural part of development. These areas are soft and flexible permits the skull to compress slightly during childbirth, facilitating delivery. Additionally, they allow for brain growth during the early years of life, when the brain undergoes rapid development. Advising the mother to relax because these spots are nature's way of allowing for brain growth acknowledges the biological function of fontanelles. As the child's brain expands, the fontanelles accommodate this growth, which is essential for healthy development. By the time the child reaches 18-24 months, most fontanelles will close as the skull bones fuse together. Other options do not address the natural process of a week-old infant's development appropriately. The idea of purchasing a helmet might imply an unnecessary intervention when it is common for infants to have soft spots. Suggesting that the mother should bring the baby in for immediate medical attention would be misleading since soft spots are typical and not a sign of a medical emergency. While there is some concern about positional skull flattening, particularly if a baby is placed consistently in a certain position, that is not primarily due to the presence of soft spots, nor would