1
Q
What is a clinical manifestation of hydrocephalus?
A
enlarged ventricles
2
Q
What is the cause of hydrocephalus?
A
- developmental defects
- neoplasms, infection, trauma
- myelomeningoceal
3
Q
What are the early manifestations of hydrocephalus in the infant?
A
- rapid head growth
- full bulging fontanel
- irritability
- poor feeding
- distended prominent scalp veins
- widely separated cranial sutures
4
Q
What are the early manifestations of hydrocephalus in the child?
A
- strabismus
- morning headache (relieved by emesis or sitting upright)
- N/V
- diplopia
- restless
- behavior/personality changes
- ataxia
- sluggish
- confusion
- lethargy
5
Q
What is the diagnostic evaluation for hydrocephalus?
A
- head circumference
- CT
- MRI
- lumbar puncture
6
Q
What is placed for the pt with hydrocephalus?
A
- surgical placement of ventriculopertoneal (VP) or ventriculoatrial (VA) shunt
- prevents further accumulation of CSF
7
Q
When a child has hydrocephalus what happens to the shunt as the child grows?
A
replace as the child grows
8
Q
What are the nursing considerations for a pt with hydrocephalus?
A
- analgesics
- watch LOC
- therapeutic play
- education for home care (esp. what to report to HCP)
9
Q
What is the period of time when the risk for shunt infection is the greatest?
A
-1 to 2 months post shunt placement
10
Q
What are some infections that can be caused by shunt placement?
A
- septicemia
- bacterial endocarditis
- wound infection
- shunt nephritis
- meningitis
Decks in class (14)
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