Increased ICP
This measurement should be monitored regularly in infants to detect abnormal head growth by increased ICP
Head circumference
A child with increased ICP should have the head of the bed elevated to approximately this angle
30 degrees
This diagnostic test records electrical activity in the brain and helps evaluate seizures
Electroencephalopgram (EEG)
Meningitis is inflammation of these protective membranes surround the brain and spinal cord
the meninges
This type of meningitis requires antibiotics treatment within one hour
bacterial meningitisi
A bulging anterior fontanel, separated cranial sutures, and high pitched cry are signs of increased ICP in this age group
Infants
This head position helps facilitate venous drainage in a child with increased ICP
midline or neutral alignment
This chronic neurological disorder is characterized by recurrent seizure
Epilepsy
This diagnostic procedure collects cerebrospinal fluid for evaluation of suspected meningitis
These precautions should be initiated for suspected bacterial meningitis
droplet precautions
The abnormal eye finding occurs when an infants eyes deviate downward, exposing sclera above the iris
Setting sun sign
This condition should be treated promptly because it causes cerebral vasodilation that can worsen ICP
fever or hyperthermia
These two metabolic abnormalities can cause seizures in children
hypoglycemia and hypocalcemia
When a Childs neck is flexed forward, the hips and knees involuntarily flex. What sign is positive?
Brudzinski sign
A child has suspected bacterial meningitis and is awaiting a lumbar puncture. Which treatment should not delayed
Prescribed IV antibiotics
Cushings triad
Name three neurological findings the nurse should assess frequently when monitoring a child with increased ICP
level of consciousness, pupil size/reactivity, and motor responses
A parent wants to stop the Childs anti seizure medication because the child hasn't experienced a seizure recently. What should nurse teach?
Never stop anti seizure meds abruptly because doing so can trigger seizures or status epileptics
A child experiences pain and resists extension of the knee when the hip and knee are flex to 90 degree. Identify the sign
Kernig sign
A child has fever, nuchal rigidity, altered mental status, and a petechial rash. Which organism is especially concerning?
Neisseria meningitidis (Meningococcal meningitis )
A previously irritable child with increased ICP becomes unresponsive and develops unequal pupils and decorticate posturing. What do these findings suggest?
Severe neurological deterioration and late stage increased ICP requiring emergency intervention.
A child with suspected increased ICP becomes unresponsive and develops irregular respiration. Identify the nurses immediate priority.
A child has recurrent seizures despited medication therapy. Which high fat, low carb diet approach may be used to reduce seizure frequency?
Ketogenic diet
An 8 week old infant presents with fever, poor feeding, lethargy, vomiting, a bulging fontanel, and a high pitched cry. Which serious neurological complication is suggested by these findings?
Increased ICP associated with suspected menin
After treatment, an infant with bacterial meningitis becomes alert, the fontanel becomes flat, and vital signs normalize. What does this indicate, and which nursing action remains important?
The infant is improving; continue frequent neurological assessment and monitoring