Question

The nurse caring for the child who has had a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VP) for hydrocephalus observes an increasing abdominal girth. What is the most appropriate response?

1) Monitor the child's vital signs
2) Notify the healthcare provider
3) Administer pain medication
4) Increase the child's fluid intake

Answer 1

The most appropriate response to an increasing abdominal girth in a child with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt for hydrocephalus is to notify the healthcare provider.

Step-by-step explanation:

The increasing abdominal girth in a child with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt for hydrocephalus is concerning and requires appropriate action. The most appropriate response in this situation would be to notify the healthcare provider. This is important because an increasing abdominal girth could indicate a malfunction or blockage in the shunt, which may require medical intervention. Monitoring the child's vital signs and administering pain medication may be appropriate later, depending on the healthcare provider's instructions, but the immediate action should be to notify the healthcare provider for further evaluation and intervention if necessary.