Final answer:
Essential assessments for a newborn with hydrocephalus include an MRI to evaluate ventricle size, an Apgar test to check immediate postnatal wellbeing, neurological status assessments, renal function monitoring, and, if needed, tests for infections such as neonatal meningitis.
Step-by-step explanation:
For newborns diagnosed with hydrocephalus, essential assessments would include neuroimaging studies like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to visualize brain structures and measure the size of the ventricles. An MRI is a critical tool to identify the enlargement of ventricles, a common feature of hydrocephalus. Additionally, the Apgar test is administered immediately after birth to evaluate the newborn's transition from the uterus into the outside world, assessing variables such as heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex response, and color.
Since hydrocephalus can impact neurological function, rapid assessment of a newborn's neurological status is vital in an emergency or for ongoing management. Moreover, monitoring kidney function and fluid intake is crucial due to neonatal renal immaturity. In the context of a potential infection like neonatal meningitis, which can present with hydrocephalus, diagnostic tests may include cultures of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or blood, with treatments usually involving a combination of antibiotics.