Hydrocephaly

The nurse is providing education to the parents of a 3-year-old girl with hydrocephalus who has just had an external ventricular drainage system placed. Which question is best to begin the teaching session?

"What questions or concerns do you have about this device?"

The nurse is caring for a child diagnosed with hydrocephalus following ventriculopertoneal shunt placement. The child is currently on a ventilator. Which nursing action is priority?

Assess the client's respiratory status

A 9-year-old client who suffered a head injury has strabismus. The nurse assesses the client for intracranial pressure (ICP). Which additional intervention is most important for the nurse to perform?

Assess the level of consciousness (LOC)

What finding is consistent with increased ICP in the child?

Bulging fontanelle

A 4-year-old child is brought to the emergency department after being in a motor vehicle accident. The child experienced head trauma in the accident. When assessing the child, which will be the first change noted in the presence of increasing intercranial pressure?

Change in level of consciousness

During the physical assessment of a 2½-month-old infant, the nurse suspects the child may have hydrocephalus. Which sign or symptom was observed?

Dramatic increase in head circumference