A nurse is caring for an infant who has hydrocephalus and ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction. Which of the following assessment findings indicates that the infant is experiencing increased intracranial pressure?

A. Increased appetite: Increased appetite is not associated with increased intracranial pressure in infants. Changes in ICP more commonly affect feeding tolerance negatively, leading to poor feeding, vomiting, or decreased interest in feeding rather than increased intake. B. Irritability: Irritability is a common early sign of increased intracranial pressure in infants. Rising pressure causes discomfort and headache-like symptoms that infants cannot verbalize, often presenting as persistent crying, restlessness, or difficulty consoling. C. Flat fontanel: A flat fontanel is considered a normal finding in infants. Increased intracranial pressure is more likely to cause a bulging or tense fontanel due to increased pressure within the skull. D. Tachycardia: Tachycardia is not a classic sign of increased intracranial pressure. As ICP worsens, infants may develop bradycardia as part of Cushing’s triad, making tachycardia less indicative of elevated ICP.