Question

The nurse is caring for a patient that has developed hydrocephalus. Which surgical procedure does the nurse prepare the patient for?

a) Drainage of abscess
b) Excision of malformation
c) Placement of a ventriculoatrial shunt
d) Debridement of fragments and necrotic tissue

Answer 1

The nurse would prepare the patient for the placement of a ventriculoatrial shunt, which involves implanting a device in the patient's brain to remove excess cerebrospinal fluid.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse would prepare the patient for the placement of a ventriculoatrial shunt. This surgical procedure involves implanting a device called a shunt in the patient's brain to remove excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The shunt consists of a small tube, called a catheter, which is inserted into the patient's ventricles. The CSF is then drained through a one-way valve to the other end of the shunt, which is threaded under the patient's skin to their abdominal cavity, where the CSF is released and reabsorbed by the bloodstream.