Pediatric Nursing Practice Questions Related

Review Pediatric Nursing Practice Questions related questions and content

The healthcare provider is caring for a 9-month-old infant who just returned from the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) after a shunt placement for hydrocephalus. Which healthcare provider prescription should the nurse question?

  • A. Vital signs and neurologic checks hourly
  • B. Small, frequent formula feedings
  • C. Elevate the head of the bed
  • D. Daily head circumference measurements
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed in a child with hydrocephalus can potentially increase intracranial pressure. This can be counterproductive and may lead to complications after shunt placement surgery. Keeping the head of the bed flat or slightly elevated is often recommended to optimize cerebral perfusion and reduce the risk of increased intracranial pressure.