PMC Infant Anatomy & Physiology

Question 1

Which fontanelle in a newborn typically closes last, around 18–24 months of age?

Accepted Answer

Anterior fontanelle

Answer

The anterior (front) fontanelle is the largest and closes last, usually between 18 and 24 months.

Question 2

A newborn's skin is covered at birth by a waxy protective coating called:

Accepted Answer

Vernix caseosa

Answer

Vernix caseosa is the white, cheese-like protective coating that covers the newborn's skin at birth.

Question 3

What is the normal resting heart rate range for a newborn (0–1 month)?

Accepted Answer

100–160 bpm

Answer

Newborn heart rates normally range from 100 to 160 beats per minute.

Question 4

The primary structural difference between a child's trachea and an adult's trachea is that the child's trachea is:

Accepted Answer

Shorter, narrower, and more flexible

Answer

A child's trachea is shorter, narrower, and more pliable than an adult's, making positioning during massage critical.

Question 5

Which reflex, present at birth, causes an infant to turn its head toward a stimulus touching its cheek?

Accepted Answer

Rooting reflex

Answer

The rooting reflex helps infants locate the nipple for feeding by turning the head toward tactile stimulation on the cheek.

PMC - Pediatric Massage Certification Practice Test