A nurse is caring for an infant in the emergency department. Exhibits Which of the following actions should the nurse take?(Select all that apply)
Explanation & Rationale
A. Assessing pupillary reaction is critical to monitor for signs of increased intracranial pressure or neurological deterioration. B. Palpating the fontanel level helps detect changes in intracranial pressure; a bulging or tense fontanel is a concerning sign. C. Encouraging feeding is inappropriate because the infant is difficult to arouse, indicating possible neurological compromise; oral intake should be withheld until neurological status is stabilized. D. Evaluating the Babinski reflex is not the immediate priority in a critically deteriorating infant; focus should be on signs of increased intracranial pressure and neurological decline. E. Measuring head circumference is important for ongoing monitoring of intracranial pressure in infants with head trauma. F. Stabilizing the spine is essential in any infant with trauma from a fall until spinal injury is ruled out, even if neurological deficits are not initially apparent.