In infants with hydrocephalus, which finding would be most consistent?

In infants with hydrocephalus, which finding would be most consistent?

• A. A soft, low-pitched cry
• B. Ability to be comforted easily
• C. Tense, bulging fontanels
• D. Appropriately increasing weight

Answer: (C)

Infants with hydrocephalus develop signs of increased intracranial pressure. Because their skull bones are still unfused, the pressure is transmitted to the fontanel, causing it to become tense and bulge. A tense, bulging fontanel is the most consistent finding in this situation. The infant is often irritable and difficult to soothe, and feeding and growth can be affected, so weight gain may not be appropriate. A soft, low-pitched cry and easy consolability are less typical, and normal (appropriate) weight gain is unlikely in this context.

Infants with hydrocephalus develop signs of increased intracranial pressure. Because their skull bones are still unfused, the pressure is transmitted to the fontanel, causing it to become tense and bulge. A tense, bulging fontanel is the most consistent finding in this situation. The infant is often irritable and difficult to soothe, and feeding and growth can be affected, so weight gain may not be appropriate. A soft, low-pitched cry and easy consolability are less typical, and normal (appropriate) weight gain is unlikely in this context.