A pediatric client with hydrocephalus is scheduled to undergo ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement. The nurse is preparing to administer preoperative medications to the child. Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering to reduce cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production and facilitate surgical placement of the VP shunt?
A pediatric client with hydrocephalus is scheduled to undergo ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement. The nurse is preparing to administer preoperative medications to the child. Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering to reduce cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production and facilitate surgical placement of the VP shunt?
A. Morphine sulfate
[7%]
B. Acetaminophen
[1%]
C. Mannitol
[88%]
D. Ondansetron
[3%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Child Health
Lesson
Neurologic
Client Need
Test Plan
Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
Related Topic
Parenteral/IV Therapies
Item Type
Item Type
Application
Explanation
Choice C is correct. Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic medication commonly used to reduce intracranial pressure by drawing fluid out of brain tissue and decreasing CSF production. It can be administered preoperatively to facilitate the surgical placement of VP shunts in pediatric clients with hydrocephalus.
Choice A is incorrect. Morphine sulfate is an opioid analgesic used to manage pain and is not indicated for reducing CSF production. Pain management is important preoperatively however, it is not directly related to reducing CSF production for VP shunt placement.
Choice B is incorrect. Acetaminophen is a non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic medication commonly used to relieve pain and reduce fever. However, it does not reduce CSF production and is not specifically indicated for preoperative management of hydrocephalus.
Choice D is incorrect. Ondansetron is an antiemetic medication used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting. While it may be administered preoperatively to prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting, it does not reduce CSF production and is not directly related to VP shunt placement.
Related Videos
2 Key Topics
EVD & VP Shunts
31.9 Neurologic Disorders
Additional Info
✓ Mannitol works by drawing fluid out of tissues and into the bloodstream, thereby reducing pressure within the skull or eyes.
✓ A VP shunt is a medical device used to treat hydrocephalus, a condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the brain's ventricles. The VP shunt helps to divert excess CSF away from the brain to another part of the body where it can be absorbed and eliminated. ✓ Hydrocephalus is a common indication for pediatric VP shunt placement. It is estimated that approximately 1 to 2 in every 1,000 live births are affected by hydrocephalus. This condition can occur due to various causes, including congenital malformations, infections, bleeding in the brain (such as intraventricular hemorrhage in premature infants), or tumors.
