title: Recognizing craniosynostosis.
abstract: Craniosynostosis is characterized by the fusion of sutures. It presents with an abnormal head shape. This article examines this defect and discusses its embryologic origin. A systemic physical assessment guide serves as a tool to enhance early recognition of this defect. Pictorial examples increase understanding of the defect. A discussion of treatment and nursing implications, with an emphasis on family support, is provided.
authors.affiliation: Grayson County College, Denison, TX 75020, USA. merrittl@grayson.edu
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Merritt
mesh_terms: D003398:Craniosynostoses / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000451:nursing / Q000601:surgery; D006260:Head Protective Devices; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D017283:Neonatal Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D019990:Perioperative Care / Q000451:nursing; D011181:Postnatal Care / Q000379:methods