Flashcards in T3 - Hydrocephalus (Josh) Deck (21)
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1
Hydrocephalus is an ---
abnormal accumulation of fluid
2
What is the primary cause of Hydrocephalus?
blockage/obstruction somewhere along the circulatory pathway of CSF
3
Primary cause of Hydrocephalus?
Arnold Chiari Syndrome
4
S/S of Hydrocephalus?
Sunset Sign (depression of eyes)
inc. head circumference
high pitched cry
poor feeding if ICP is too high
5
What is the biggest complication of surgery for shunts?
infection
6
What to look for in eyes with hydrocephalus?
Sunset Eyes (depressed eyes)
7
Types of obstructions that cause Hydrocephalus?
Infection
Hemmorrhage
Tumor
Myleomeningocele
8
S/S of Hydrocephalus:
bulging fontanels
thinning skull bones
dilation of scalp veins
sunset eyes
irritability
shrill, high pitched cry
opisthotonus
9
Which meds can help decrease production of CSF until surgery for hydrocephalus can be done?
Furosemide
Asetazolamide
10
The best and most effective treatment for hydrocephalus is --
Shunts
- 1/8 in diamter tube
11
VP Shunt drains into --
VA Shunt drains into --
peritoneum
right atrium of heart
12
When would a VA shunt be preferred?
When abdominal surgery has been done or they have GI probs
13
When is shunt commonly placed?
3-4 mths of age
14
Pre-op care for Shunt surgery
Observe for signs of ICP
Care of the externalized shunt if indicated
Support large head
proper skin care
informed consent
seizure precautions
maintain adequate nutrition
15
Signs of ICP:
Bulging fontanel
enlarged head circumference
BEHAVIOR CHANGES
IRRITABILITY
16
Why is head of bed initially flat after Shunt surgery?
so drain is not too fast
17
Parental support and discharge teaching for Shunt surgery.
- avoid contact sports
- protective helmets when riding bikes
18
Post op for Shunt Surgery
Position on unaffected side
Bed flat (so drainage won’t be too fast)
Avoid sedatives
Observe for ICP
Assess for signs of infection
neuro assessment
vital signs
care of post-op site
pain control
19
Shunt infection is primarily from --
client's OWN organisms (not exposure to ill people)
20
Children w/ VP shunts are more prone to --
Children w/ VA shunts are more prone to --
abdominal infection
generalized infection
21
