Assignment Discussion: Teaching Plan-Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus. Sometimes referred to as "water on the brain", hydrocephalus is a disorder that can be congenital or acquired. The fluid is actually a relatively small amount (about 10 cubic centimeters for every kilogram of body weight) of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord on both the inside and the outside. Within the brain there are four CSF-filled spaces called ventricles. The CSF is continuously formed here and then moves down through the central canal, a tube that runs the length of the spinal cord. From the base of the spine, the fluid moves upward on the outside of the spinal cord and returns to the skull where it covers the outer surfaces of the brain. Here it is absorbed by the brain's outer lining. If interference occurs in any part of this process, CSF continues to accumulate in the brain. This usually causes increased pressure to develop within the skull, and abnormally high pressure can lead to permanent brain damage and even coma or death. In infants, this accumulation also causes the skull to enlarge, including frontal bossing or bulging fontanelle, since the growth regions of the skull have not yet become firm. Intracranial pressure Brain diseases Cerebral ventricles Diseases. Hydrocephalus can arise before birth or at any time afterward. Causes can include birth defects (particularly spina bifida), hemorrhage into the brain, infection, meningitis, tumor, and head injury. Symptoms depend on the person's age. In infants, the most obvious sign is usually an abnormally large head; other symptoms may include vomiting, sleepiness, irritability, an inability to look upward, and seizures. (Credo)
Diagnosis: Imaging studies-x ray, computed tomography scan (CT scan), ultrasound, and especially magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-are used to assess the presence and location of obstructions, as well as changes in brain tissue that have occurred as a result of the hydrocephalus. Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) may be performed to aid in determining the cause when infection is suspected. (Fallon, L., Fleming. (2020)
Treatment: The primary method of treatment for both elevated and normal pressure hydrocephalus is surgical installation of a shunt. A shunt is a tube connecting the ventricles of the brain to an alternative drainage site, usually the abdominal cavity. A shunt contains a one-way valve to prevent reverse flow of fluid, In some cases of noncommunicating hydrocephalus, a direct connection can be made between one of the ventricles and the subarachnoid space, allowing drainage without a shunt.
Installation of a shunt requires lifelong monitoring by the recipient or family members for signs of recurring hydrocephalus due to obstruction of failure of the shunt. Other than monitoring, no other management activity is usually required. (Credo)
Nutrient:
Question: Respond to who have provided education on a condition different from your own. In your response describe the role of three professionals the nurse would incorporate into the care plan for the client, Ensure that your information is supported by evidence.