HYDROCEPHALUS
Definition: characterized by the fluid build up in the tiny, elastic air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs. The fluid
keeps your lungs from filling with enough air, which means less oxygen reaches your bloodstream. This
deprives your organs of the oxygen they need to function.
RISK FACTORS SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Modifiable: ● Enlarged fontanelles ● Hyperactive reflexes
● Environment ● “Bossing” of forehead ● Signs of increased cranial
● Chronic Illness ● “Sunset” eyes pressure
● Lifestyle ● Separated Suture line ○ Decreased pulse
Non-Modifiable: ● Prominent scalp veins ○ Increased Temperature
● Age ● Increased head circumference ○ Decreased Respirations
● Lethargy or irritability ○ Increased blood pressure
● Shill cry
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS MEDICATIONS
● MRI ● Diuretics: Acetazolamide (ACZ) and furosemide (FUR) treat
● CT scan posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus in neonates; both are diuretics that
● Transillumination also appear to decrease secretion of CSF at the level of the choroid
● Prenatal sonogram plexus.
● Ultrasound ● Anticonvulsants: Helps to interfere impulse transmission of cerebral
cortex and prevent seizures.
● Antibiotics: Culture and sensitivity dependent for shunt infections such
as septicemia, ventriculitis, meningitis, or given as a prophylactic
treatment.
MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS
● Surgery: preferred therapeutic option in patients with hydrocephalus.
● Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt: a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is a medical device that relieves
pressure on the brain caused by fluid accumulation.
● Ventriculoatrial (VA) shunt: Ventriculoatrial shunt placement enables cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to flow from
the cerebral ventricular system to the atrium of the heart.
● Lumboperitoneal shunt: Only used for communicating hydrocephalus, CSF fistula, or pseudotumor
cerebri).
● Torkildsen shunt (rarely): Effective only in acquired obstructive hydrocephalus.
● Ventriculopleural shunt (second-line therapy): used if other shunt types contraindicated.
NURSING DIAGNOSES
● Ineffective Cerebral Tissue Perfusion ● Risk for Injury
● Anxiety ● Risk for Infectio
NURSING INTERVENTIONS
● Elevate the head of the bed gradually about 15-45 degrees as indicated. Maintain the client’s head in a
neutral position.
● Provide oxygen therapy as needed.
● Encourage parents to stay with infant/child or visit when able if hospitalized, assist in care (hold, feed,
diaper) and make suggestions for routines and methods of treatment.
● Explain the reason for and what to expect for each procedure or type of therapy; use drawings, pictures,
and videotapes for the child.
Definition: characterized by the fluid build up in the tiny, elastic air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs. The fluid
keeps your lungs from filling with enough air, which means less oxygen reaches your bloodstream. This
deprives your organs of the oxygen they need to function.
RISK FACTORS SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Modifiable: ● Enlarged fontanelles ● Hyperactive reflexes
● Environment ● “Bossing” of forehead ● Signs of increased cranial
● Chronic Illness ● “Sunset” eyes pressure
● Lifestyle ● Separated Suture line ○ Decreased pulse
Non-Modifiable: ● Prominent scalp veins ○ Increased Temperature
● Age ● Increased head circumference ○ Decreased Respirations
● Lethargy or irritability ○ Increased blood pressure
● Shill cry
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS MEDICATIONS
● MRI ● Diuretics: Acetazolamide (ACZ) and furosemide (FUR) treat
● CT scan posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus in neonates; both are diuretics that
● Transillumination also appear to decrease secretion of CSF at the level of the choroid
● Prenatal sonogram plexus.
● Ultrasound ● Anticonvulsants: Helps to interfere impulse transmission of cerebral
cortex and prevent seizures.
● Antibiotics: Culture and sensitivity dependent for shunt infections such
as septicemia, ventriculitis, meningitis, or given as a prophylactic
treatment.
MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS
● Surgery: preferred therapeutic option in patients with hydrocephalus.
● Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt: a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is a medical device that relieves
pressure on the brain caused by fluid accumulation.
● Ventriculoatrial (VA) shunt: Ventriculoatrial shunt placement enables cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to flow from
the cerebral ventricular system to the atrium of the heart.
● Lumboperitoneal shunt: Only used for communicating hydrocephalus, CSF fistula, or pseudotumor
cerebri).
● Torkildsen shunt (rarely): Effective only in acquired obstructive hydrocephalus.
● Ventriculopleural shunt (second-line therapy): used if other shunt types contraindicated.
NURSING DIAGNOSES
● Ineffective Cerebral Tissue Perfusion ● Risk for Injury
● Anxiety ● Risk for Infectio
NURSING INTERVENTIONS
● Elevate the head of the bed gradually about 15-45 degrees as indicated. Maintain the client’s head in a
neutral position.
● Provide oxygen therapy as needed.
● Encourage parents to stay with infant/child or visit when able if hospitalized, assist in care (hold, feed,
diaper) and make suggestions for routines and methods of treatment.
● Explain the reason for and what to expect for each procedure or type of therapy; use drawings, pictures,
and videotapes for the child.
