A nurse is collecting data from a 5-month-old infant who has increased intracranial pressure (ICP) resulting from hydrocephalus. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Low-pitched cry: A high-pitched cry, not a low-pitched one, is more typical of increased ICP in infants. A low-pitched cry is not a common sign of ICP and may be more related to other conditions. B. Positive Babinski reflex: The Babinski reflex is normal in infants up to about 1 year of age and is not indicative of increased ICP. It is a normal finding and not specific to increased intracranial pressure. C. Insomnia: Infants with increased ICP may exhibit irritability and changes in sleeping patterns, but insomnia (difficulty sleeping) is not a classic symptom. The focus should be on other more specific signs like changes in cry and physical appearance. D. Bulging fontanel: A bulging fontanel is a key sign of increased ICP in infants. It occurs due to pressure within the skull causing the soft spot on the head to protrude. This is a classic symptom of increased intracranial pressure in infants.