Nursing care of the patient with hydrocephalus.

Hydrocephalus is a neurological disorder seen frequently in the pediatric population and less frequently in adults. Treatment is directed toward removing the lesion causing the obstruction. Frequently a shunting device is needed to restore and/or maintain CSF flow. The prognosis of these patients is based on a variety of factors. Nursing observations and intervention are of the utmost importance to recognize and/or prevent serious complications postoperatively. Long-term studies to evaluate the prognosis of these patients are limited.