A nurse is caring for a newborn who has hydrocephalus. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect to find?
A.
A backward sloping appearance of the forehead.
B.
Dilated scalp veins
C.
Over-riding suture lines
D.
Hypertension
In a newborn with hydrocephalus, the nurse should expect to find:
B. Dilated scalp veins
Explanation:
- A. A backward sloping appearance of the forehead: This is not a typical manifestation of hydrocephalus. Instead, hydrocephalus often leads to an enlarged head and a forward-bulging forehead.
- B. Dilated scalp veins: This is a common sign of hydrocephalus. The increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricles can cause the veins on the scalp to become prominent and dilated.
- C. Over-riding suture lines: This is more commonly associated with conditions like craniosynostosis or increased intracranial pressure, rather than hydrocephalus alone. Hydrocephalus usually causes the sutures to separate rather than override.
- D. Hypertension: While increased intracranial pressure due to hydrocephalus might affect blood pressure, hypertension is not a direct manifestation of hydrocephalus in newborns. More specific signs include an enlarged head circumference and increased fontanel size.
Correct answer: B