A nurse is assessing an infant who has hydrocephalus. Which of the following clinical manifestations should the nurse expect?
Depressed scalp veins
Sunken anterior fontanels
Bulging eyes
Separated cranial sutures
The Correct Answer is D
A. Depressed scalp veins: This is an incorrect choice. In hydrocephalus, there is increased pressure within the skull due to the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This increased pressure typically leads to distended scalp veins rather than depressed ones.
B. Sunken anterior fontanels: This is an incorrect choice. The fontanel, also known as the soft spot on an infant's head, may actually bulge rather than appear sunken in cases of hydrocephalus due to increased intracranial pressure.
C. Bulging eyes: In individuals with hydrocephalus, especially infants and young children, bulging eyes can sometimes occur. The increased pressure inside the skull can affect various structures within the brain, including the optic nerve and the muscles that control eye movement. This can lead to a condition called papilledema, where the optic nerve becomes swollen due to the pressure. Papilledema can cause changes in vision and, in some cases, contribute to the appearance of bulging eyes.
D. Separated cranial sutures: The separation of cranial sutures in hydrocephalus occurs due to the increased pressure from the excess CSF. This pressure can cause the bones of the skull to move apart, leading to visible gaps or widening of the sutures. Clinically, this can be observed through imaging studies such as CT scans or MRI.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Steatorrhea: Steatorrhea refers to the presence of fat in the stool, which can indicate malabsorption or digestive issues, but it is not a typical symptom of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Therefore, it is not relevant to consider steatorrhea in the context of a UTI.
B. Jaundice: Jaundice is characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes due to elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood. It is typically associated with liver or gallbladder problems and is not a common symptom of a UTI. Therefore, it is not relevant to consider jaundice in the context of a UTI.
C. Incontinence: Incontinence, or the inability to control urination, can be a symptom of a UTI in toddlers. UTIs can cause irritation of the bladder, leading to urgency, frequency, and in some cases, incontinence. Therefore, incontinence is a relevant finding to consider in the context of a UTI.
D. Rebound tenderness: Rebound tenderness is a sign of peritoneal irritation and is typically associated with conditions affecting the abdomen, such as appendicitis or peritonitis. It is not a typical symptom of a UTI. Therefore, it is not relevant to consider rebound tenderness in the context of a UTI.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Depressed scalp veins: This is an incorrect choice. In hydrocephalus, there is increased pressure within the skull due to the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This increased pressure typically leads to distended scalp veins rather than depressed ones.
B. Sunken anterior fontanels: This is an incorrect choice. The fontanel, also known as the soft spot on an infant's head, may actually bulge rather than appear sunken in cases of hydrocephalus due to increased intracranial pressure.
C.Bulging eyes:In individuals with hydrocephalus, especially infants and young children, bulging eyes can sometimes occur.The increased pressure inside the skull can affect various structures within the brain, including the optic nerve and the muscles that control eye movement. This can lead to a condition called papilledema, where the optic nerve becomes swollen due to the pressure. Papilledema can cause changes in vision and, in some cases, contribute to the appearance of bulging eyes.
D.Separated cranial sutures:The separation of cranial sutures in hydrocephalus occurs due to the increased pressure from the excess CSF. This pressure can cause the bones of the skull to move apart, leading to visible gaps or widening of the sutures. Clinically, this can be observed through imaging studies such as CT scans or MRI.
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