Author Question: An infant with hydrocephalus has a ventriculoperitoneal shunt inserted. Immediately following the ... (Read 67 times)

asd123 · **on:** Jun 27, 2018

An infant with hydrocephalus has a ventriculoperitonea l shunt inserted. Immediately following the procedure, which nursing action would best prevent decompression from excessive CSF flow?

A) Elevating the infant's head 60 degrees
B) Keeping the head of the infant level with the body
C) Avoiding exercising the upper extremities during bathing
D) Positioning the infant with the head dependent to the body

Question 2

The nurse is assessing a 2-week-old infant who developed hydrocephalus. What should the nurse expect to assess in this patient?

A) Excessive thirst
B) A soft, fretful cry
C) Hypothermia in the late afternoon
D) White sclera showing above the pupils

babybsemail · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 27, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B
Feedback:
: Following the surgery for the initial shunt insertion, the infant's bed should be left flat or raised only about 10 degrees so the head remains level with the body. This is to ensure that CSF does not flow too rapidly, possibly leading to tearing of cerebral arteries or signs of too rapid decompression. The infant's head should not be raised 60 degrees. Upper extremity exercise is not contraindicated after placement of the shunt. The patient's head should not be positioned dependent to the body.

Answer to Question 2

D
Feedback:
: As the fluid accumulation continues in hydrocephalus, the brow bulges forward, and the eyes become sunset eyes, which means the sclera shows above the iris because of upper lid retraction. Excessive thirst; soft, fretful cry; and hypothermia in the late afternoon are not manifestations of hydrocephalus.