When examining the head of a pediatric patient, which of the following statements is FALSE?

• A. A bulging fontanelle suggests dehydration
• B. A sunken fontanelle may indicate dehydration
• C. Fontanelles should close by a certain age
• D. A bulging fontanelle may indicate increased intracranial pressure

Answer: (A)

A bulging fontanelle is actually an indication of increased intracranial pressure rather than dehydration. In pediatric patients, the fontanelles serve as important indicators of cranial and neurological health. A bulging fontanelle typically signals that pressure inside the skull is elevated, which can occur due to various conditions such as intracranial hemorrhage or infection.

In contrast, a sunken fontanelle is often associated with dehydration, as it indicates a loss of volume in the cranial cavity. The normal closure of fontanelles occurs within established developmental timelines, indicating that they have served their function in accommodating the growth of the brain and skull. This makes the understanding of the significance of the fontanelles essential in pediatric assessments.