The type of data that the nurse records, which is the infant's head circumference of 45.3 centimeters, is continuous data.
1. Continuous data can take on any value within a given range. In this case, the head circumference can be any value between whole numbers like 45 and 46 centimeters, including decimal values like 45.3 centimeters.
2. Continuous data is measured and can be infinitely divided into smaller increments. It is not restricted to specific values or categories, making it suitable for measurements like length, weight, time, temperature, etc.
Therefore, the nurse recording the infant's head circumference of 45.3 centimeters falls under the category of continuous data due to its ability to have decimal values and be measured along a continuous scale.