Care and management of the child with shunted hydrocephalus.
This article reviews the physiology of cerebrospinal fluid formation and flow, the causes of hydrocephalus in the pediatric patient, symptoms of increased intracranial pressure, recent advances in shunt technology, the medical and surgical management of hydrocephalus, and potential complications of ventricular shunting devices. Nursing care in the post-operative period and for the child with shunt malfunction is discussed, as well as the long-term management needs and anticipatory guidance issues as related to a child with a ventricular shunting device. A case study of an infant with hydrocephalus illustrates key concepts.
Chiafery
Marianne
M
Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Strong Memorial Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
D015984:Causality; D002552:Cerebral Ventricles / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D002555:Cerebrospinal Fluid / Q000502:physiology; D002557:Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000451:nursing*; D002648:Child; D004200:Diseases in Twins / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010371:Pediatric Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed