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A licensed practical nurse is providing care for a child with hydrocephalus who has had a ventriculoperitoneal shunt revision. Which data collection finding should be reported to the registered nurse immediately?

a. Clear drainage from the shunt site
b. Decreased irritability in the child
c. Improved feeding tolerance
d. An increase in head circumference

User Jhso
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The data collection finding that should be reported to the registered nurse immediately is an increase in head circumference. This could indicate a malfunction or blockage in the VP shunt, leading to increased intracranial pressure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The data collection finding that should be reported to the registered nurse immediately is d. An increase in head circumference. Hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by the accumulation of excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain, leading to increased pressure inside the skull. A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is placed to help drain the excess CSF from the brain to the abdominal cavity. If there is an increase in head circumference after a shunt revision, it could indicate a malfunction or blockage in the shunt, leading to the accumulation of CSF and increased intracranial pressure. This is a critical finding that requires immediate attention from the registered nurse to prevent complications.

User Jason Miesionczek
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