Which finding is expected for a healthy 2-week-old newborn?

Which finding is expected for a healthy 2-week-old newborn?

• A. Posterior fontanel closed
• B. Pincer grasp present
• C. Hands remain in a closed position
• D. Sleeps 14 to 16 hr each day

Answer: (D)

Healthy newborns in the first weeks sleep a lot, and by two weeks they typically average about 14 to 16 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period. This abundant sleep fits their rapid growth and high energy needs, with wakeful periods mainly for feeding and interaction. The other options reflect milestones that aren’t expected yet: the posterior fontanel remains open for several weeks to months, not closed at this age; the pincer grasp appears much later, around 9 to 12 months; and while newborns often keep their hands flexed, the most consistent, expected finding to highlight at this age is the extended sleep pattern.

Healthy newborns in the first weeks sleep a lot, and by two weeks they typically average about 14 to 16 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period. This abundant sleep fits their rapid growth and high energy needs, with wakeful periods mainly for feeding and interaction. The other options reflect milestones that aren’t expected yet: the posterior fontanel remains open for several weeks to months, not closed at this age; the pincer grasp appears much later, around 9 to 12 months; and while newborns often keep their hands flexed, the most consistent, expected finding to highlight at this age is the extended sleep pattern.