Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

During assessment, which finding may suggest elevated intracranial pressure in a post-operative infant?

1. Decreased heart rate

2. Sudden onset of vomiting

3. Development of bradycardia

4. Increased head circumference

The correct answer is: Increased head circumference

Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) in an infant can manifest through several clinical signs. An increased head circumference is particularly significant because the fontanelles in infants are still open and flexible, allowing for the possibility of head enlargement if pressure within the skull rises. This physical change indicates that the brain is under stress due to increased pressure, which can be caused by factors such as swelling, bleeding, or cerebrospinal fluid accumulation post-surgery. Monitoring head circumference is a key component of postoperative assessments in infants, as it provides a direct indication of changes within the cranial cavity. A sudden increase may suggest that the pressure is affecting the normal growth and development of the skull, warranting immediate clinical evaluation and intervention. Other signs of elevated intracranial pressure may include changes in behavior, neurological function, or vital signs, but the increase in head circumference stands out as a particularly visible and measurable indicator in the post-operative infant.