HHC Health & Home Care Clinical Policy And

HHC HEALTH & HOME CARE Section: 10-16
Postpartum/Maternal/Newborn: Measurement of Head Circumference __RN
PURPOSE:
To determine if the infant's head size is within normal
limits.
CONSIDERATIONS:
1. Normal limits of head size for newborns are 33 to
35.5 cm.
2. In a newborn, the circumference of the head equals
or exceeds that of the chest or abdomen.
3. The head is measured at its greatest circumference.
4. Since head shape can affect the location of
maximum circumference, more than one
measurement should be taken.
EQUIPMENT:
Paper tape measure with tenths of centimeter markings
PROCEDURE:
1. Adhere to Universal Precautions.
2. Position the tape measure slightly above the
eyebrows and pinna of the ears and around the
occipital prominence at the back of the skull.
3. Note measurement.
4. Remeasure head for accuracy.
AFTER CARE:
1. Document measurement in the patient's record.
2. Report to physician if measurement is not within the
normal limits.
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