Question

Which are clinical manifestations of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in infants? (Select all that apply.)

1) Low-pitched cry
2) Sunken fontanel
3) Diplopia and blurred vision
4) d. Irritability
5) Distended scalp veins
6) f. Increased blood pressure

Answer 1

Clinical manifestations of increased ICP in infants include bulging fontanel, irritability, distended scalp veins, and increased blood pressure. A sunken fontanel is not associated with increased ICP but rather with dehydration, and signs like diplopia and blurred vision are challenging to assess in infants.

Step-by-step explanation:

Clinical manifestations of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in infants can be varied and severe. Increased ICP can lead to significant neurological compromise due to the limited space within the inflexible bones of the skull. Key signs in infants may include:

• Bulging fontanel: The soft spots on an infant's head may bulge as a result of increased pressure.
• Irritability: Infants may become more irritable due to the discomfort and pain associated with increased ICP.
• Distended scalp veins: Elevated ICP can cause veins in the scalp to become more apparent and swollen.
• Increased blood pressure: There may be systemic manifestations such as increased blood pressure.

Other symptoms like a low-pitched cry and sunken fontanel are not indicative of increased ICP. In fact, a sunken fontanel can be a sign of dehydration. Symptoms such as diplopia and blurred vision can occur in older children and adults but are difficult to assess in infants.