Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 89%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a newborn who has hydrocephalus. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect to find?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The correct answer is B: Dilated scalp veins. In hydrocephalus, there is an excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain ventricles, leading to increased intracranial pressure. This increased pressure can cause dilation of scalp veins as a compensatory mechanism to facilitate venous drainage and maintain cerebral perfusion. The other choices are incorrect because: A) A backward sloping appearance of the forehead is seen in conditions like Down syndrome, not hydrocephalus. C) Hypertension is not a typical manifestation of hydrocephalus. D) Sunken fontanelles indicate dehydration or hypovolemia, not hydrocephalus.