encephalitis
This neurological condition involves inflammation of the brain tissue rather than the meninges.
encephalitis
This medication class is administered to control seizures associated with encephalitis.
anticonvulsants
This neurological disorder occurs when excessive cerebrospinal fluid accumulates within the cerebral ventricles.
hydrocephalus
A VP shunt drains cerebrospinal fluid into this body cavity.
peritoneal cavity
This local assessment finding along the shunt tubing may suggest infection.
redness of the skin over the shunt tubing
This virus is a major cause of encephalitis and requires prompt antiviral treatment.
Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
These two pieces of equipment should be readily available when initiating seizure precautions.
oxygen and suction equipment
This fluid accumulates in the ventricles in children with hydrocephalus.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
This complication occurs when the VP shunt becomes blocked, disconnected, or fails mechanically.
VP shunt malfunction
This bacterial organism is identified in your lecture as a common cause of VP shunt infection.
staphylococcus aureus
A child presents with fever, confusion, seizures, hallucinations, and difficulty speaking. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
encephalitis
A child with encephalitis develops a temperature of 103°F. Why should the nurse administer the prescribed antipyretic promptly?
fever increases cerebral metabolism and may worsen intracranial pressure
An infant has increasing head circumference, vomiting, irritability, and downward-deviated eyes. Identify the suspected disorder.
hydrocephalus
An infant with a VP shunt develops vomiting, lethargy, and a bulging anterior fontanel. What complication should the nurse suspect?
VP shunt malfunction causing increased ICP
A child with a VP shunt develops fever, headache, abdominal pain, and redness along the shunt tract. What complication should the nurse suspect?
This diagnostic test can identify the infectious organism causing encephalitis by detecting its genetic material in cerebrospinal fluid.
CSF polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing
A child with encephalitis has decreased consciousness and suspected increased ICP. At approximately what angle should the head of the bed be elevated?
30 -35 degrees
These three clinical manifestations may suggest hydrocephalus in an older child.
headache, vomiting and unsteady gait or personality changes
An older child with a VP shunt develops severe headache, vomiting, and an unsteady gait without fever. What complication is most concerning?
A child has a suspected VP shunt infection. Which two types of cultures may be obtained to identify the infection?
blood cultures and CSF obtained through a shunt tap
A child with suspected HSV encephalitis is becoming increasingly confused and develops seizures. Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering promptly?
IV acyclovir
A child with encephalitis becomes unresponsive and develops irregular respirations. What is the priority nursing intervention?
immediately assess and support airway and oxygenation, activate emergency assistance, and urgently notify the provider.
A child with hydrocephalus requires surgical drainage of excess CSF into the abdominal cavity. What device is commonly used?
ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt
A child with a VP shunt suddenly becomes lethargic and develops signs of increased intracranial pressure. What definitive treatment may be urgently required?
emergency surgical evaluation and shunt revision or repair
A child with a VP shunt develops fever, lethargy, and worsening neurological findings. What treatment should the nurse anticipate after appropriate cultures are collected?
Prompt IV antibiotics, with possible shunt externalization and neurosurgical management