A 6-month-old infant with hydrocephalus is admitted to an acute care facility for insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. What is the best position for this patient post-operatively?

Explanation

•After the placement of a VP shunt, the patient should be positioned flat to avoid a rapid decrease in ICP.

•Trendenlenburg would increase blood flow to the head and increase ICP.

•Elevating the head of bed can cause a rapid reduction in ICP. ICP should be reduced slowly to prevent complications.

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