Which of the following is a sign of shunt malfunction in infants indicating increased intracranial pressure and skull shape changes?

Which of the following is a sign of shunt malfunction in infants indicating increased intracranial pressure and skull shape changes?

• A. Enlarged fontanelles
• B. Scalp retraction
• C. Thin skull
• D. Hair loss

Answer: (A)

Rising intracranial pressure in an infant with a shunt causes the soft spots on the head to bulge outward, since the skull bones are not yet fused and can expand. An enlarged (bulging) fontanelle is a clear sign that pressure inside the skull is increasing, signaling shunt malfunction and potential hydrocephalus progression. Other options like scalp retraction, a thin skull, or hair loss don’t reflect acute ICP changes from shunt failure and aren’t typical warning signs.

Rising intracranial pressure in an infant with a shunt causes the soft spots on the head to bulge outward, since the skull bones are not yet fused and can expand. An enlarged (bulging) fontanelle is a clear sign that pressure inside the skull is increasing, signaling shunt malfunction and potential hydrocephalus progression. Other options like scalp retraction, a thin skull, or hair loss don’t reflect acute ICP changes from shunt failure and aren’t typical warning signs.