Final answer:
A nurse would monitor the pressure and drainage of the shunt implanted to treat an infant with hydrocephalus, observing for any neurological changes and signs of infection, while maintaining high hygiene standards.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse caring for an infant with hydrocephalus would take special precaution to monitor the pressure and drainage from the shunt that has been implanted to treat the condition. This includes being vigilant for signs of overdraining or underdraining. Overdraining can lead to ventricles collapse, potentially causing tearing of blood vessels and hemorrhaging, while underdraining means the pressure on the brain will persist, possibly causing further damage.
In order to avoid such complications, it is imperative that nurses observe for changes in the infant's head circumference, check the shunt site for signs of infection, and pay attention to the infant's overall neurological status. Moreover, the nurse should ensure that any adjustments to the shunt's pressure valve are made under the guidance of a physician and using proper equipment, such as a special magnet over the scalp when the shunt has an adjustable pressure valve.
It is also essential that the nurse maintain rigorous hygiene practices and careful disinfection of all items coming into contact with the infant to prevent any possible infections, given the high risk of infection with an indwelling device such as a shunt.