A nurse is conducting a postoperative assessment on an infant who has just had a ventriculoperitoneal shunt placed for hydrocephalus. Which assessment finding would indicate a malfunction in the shunt?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A malfunctioning shunt can cause a build-up of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), leading to increased pressure and a bulging fontanel. Incisional pain and movement of all extremities are not necessarily indicative of shunt malfunction. A negative Brudzinski sign (lack of neck stiffness) is a normal finding.

A Nurse Is Conducting a Postoperative Assessment on an Infant