Question

A nurse is creating a plan of care for an infant who has an epidural hematoma from a head injury. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?

a) Elevating the head of the crib
b) Administering pain medication as needed
c) Monitoring for signs of increased intracranial pressure
d) Encouraging vigorous play to assess responsiveness

Answer 1

A nurse caring for an infant with an epidural hematoma should elevate the crib's head, administer pain medication as needed, and monitor for signs of increased intracranial pressure. Encouraging vigorous play is not advisable.

Step-by-step explanation:

In caring for an infant with an epidural hematoma resulting from a head injury, the nurse should consider several key interventions. Among these, the nurse should include:

• Elevating the head of the crib to reduce intracranial pressure and facilitate venous drainage from the brain.
• Administering pain medication as needed, being mindful of the specific requirements and sensitivities of infants.
• Monitoring for signs of increased intracranial pressure, such as changes in consciousness, pupil reactivity, and vital signs, as this could indicate worsening of the condition.

Encouraging vigorous play is not recommended, as it may exacerbate the injury and increase intracranial pressure. Careful observation and management of the infant's environment and stimuli are crucial to ensure an optimal recovery.

Detailed monitoring of the infant's condition is important, including cerebral blood flow and potential impacts on intracranial blood flow and pressure dynamics, as these factors can significantly influence treatment outcomes.