A 3-month-old neonate is admitted with suspected hydrocephalus. Upon assessment, which clinical manifestation should the nurse prioritize as indicative of increased intracranial pressure?

A. Closed fontanel and high-pitched cry is incorrect because a closed fontanel is normal at this age only if ossification is occurring, and a high-pitched cry may indicate pain or neurologic irritation but is not the most specific sign of increased ICP. B. Bulging fontanel and dilated scalp veins is correct because increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in infants often presents with a bulging, tense fontanel due to accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid, and prominent scalp veins result from increased venous pressure. These are hallmark early signs of hydrocephalus and warrant prompt attention. C. Constant low-pitched cry and restlessness is incorrect because while irritability and restlessness may accompany increased ICP, a low-pitched cry is not a classic indicator, and these signs are nonspecific. D. Depressed fontanel and decreased blood pressure is incorrect because a depressed fontanel usually indicates dehydration, not increased ICP, and hypotension is a late and less reliable sign of increased ICP in infants.