Asked by randy cortez on Jun 18, 2024

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During a well-baby checkup, the nurse notices that a 1-week-old infant's face looks small compared with his cranium, which seems enlarged. On further examination, the nurse also notices dilated scalp veins and downcast or "setting sun" eyes. The nurse suspects which condition?

A) Craniotabes
B) Microcephaly
C) Hydrocephalus
D) Caput succedaneum

Hydrocephalus

A condition characterized by an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain.

Cranium

The part of the skull that encloses the brain, consisting of the frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal bones.

Setting Sun Eyes

A condition where the eyes appear to be driven downward, with the sclera visible above the iris, often indicative of certain neurological disorders.

  • Familiarize oneself with the critical nature of fontanels in newborns, including their association with neurological development and health issues.
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AA
Arynn AustinJun 20, 2024
Final Answer :
C
Explanation :
Hydrocephalus occurs with the obstruction of drainage of cerebrospinal fluid that results in excessive accumulation, increasing intracranial pressure, and an enlargement of the head. The face looks small, compared with the enlarged cranium, and dilated scalp veins and downcast or "setting sun" eyes are noted. Craniotabes is a softening of the skull's outer layer. Microcephaly is an abnormally small head. A caput succedaneum is edematous swelling and ecchymosis of the presenting part of the head caused by birth trauma. The signs and symptoms of the infant in this question are those of hydrocephalus.