The nurse is caring for a school-age client who will be discharged from the hospital after receiving a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt as treatment for increased intracranial pressure (IICP)
The nurse has taught the parents to monitor the child for shunt malfunction. Which statement by the parents regarding when to notify the healthcare provider indicates that learning goals have been met?
A) "If our child has a bulging soft spot, we will call the doctor."
B) "If our child develops an altered level of consciousness, we will notify the doctor."
C) "If we notice our child's head is expanding, we will notify the doctor."
D) "If our child develops sunset eyes, it will be important to call the doctor."
Answer: B
An altered level of consciousness would be a symptom of shunt malfunction and increasing intracranial pressure. In most children, by age 8, the cranial suture lines have fused, and the fontanelles are closed, so a bulging soft spot, expanding head size, or sunset eyes would not be common symptoms of shunt malfunction and an increase in intracranial pressure.
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