The nurse taught the caregiver of a child with a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt about when to contact the health care provider (HCP). The caregiver shows understanding of the instructions by contacting the HCP about which symptom?

Question

The nurse taught the caregiver of a child with a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt about when to contact the health care provider (HCP).  The caregiver shows understanding of the instructions by contacting the HCP about which symptom?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

11ecbb05_caee_2da0_b433_f3613394b210_MD0009_00 The caregiver of a child with a VP shunt must understand symptoms of increased intracranial pressure (ICP), which indicate shunt malfunction. Vomiting may be a sign of increased ICP and would require that the HCP be contacted. (Option A) Fever may indicate shunt infection, but a temperature of 99 F (37 C) remains within acceptable parameters. Contacting the HCP is not indicated. (Option B) Memory lapse or changes in mental status may indicate increased ICP. The inability to remember one meal would not indicate a change of mental status. (Option D) A VP shunt is tunneled under the scalp and can be palpated. Educational objective: Increased ICP may occur with VP shunt malfunctions. The caregiver must recognize symptoms of vomiting, headaches, vision changes, and changes in mental status. Early intervention by the HCP will decrease the risk of damage to the brain tissue.

The Nurse Taught the Caregiver of a Child with a Ventriculoperitoneal