A nurse is assessing an infant following a motor vehicle crash. Which of the following findings should the nurse monitor to identify increased Intracranial pressure?

A) Vaccinations to prevent pneumococcal and Haemophilus influenzae type B meningitis are available.

Explanation: This statement is true. Vaccinations to prevent certain types of bacterial meningitis are available. Pneumococcal and Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccines are included in routine childhood immunization schedules to protect against the bacteria that can cause meningitis and other serious infections. These vaccines have significantly reduced the incidence of bacterial meningitis in infants and children.

B) Often a genetic predisposition to meningitis is found.

Explanation: This statement is generally false. While there may be some genetic factors that influence susceptibility to infections, including meningitis, genetic predisposition is not a primary consideration when discussing the risk of meningitis. Meningitis is more commonly caused by bacterial or viral infections, and genetic predisposition is not a significant factor in its occurrence.

C) Meningitis rarely occurs during infancy.

Explanation: This statement is false. Meningitis can occur in infants, including newborns. In fact, infants are one of the age groups at higher risk for meningitis due to their underdeveloped immune systems and susceptibility to infections. Bacterial meningitis, in particular, can be severe and life-threatening in infants.

D) Vaccination to prevent all types of meningitis is now available.

Explanation: This statement is not entirely accurate. While vaccinations are available to prevent certain types of bacterial meningitis (such as pneumococcal and Hib meningitis), there is no single vaccine that can prevent all types of meningitis. Meningitis can be caused by various bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, and the vaccines target specific ones. It's important for caregivers to ensure that their infants receive recommended vaccines to protect against the most common causes of meningitis.

Reflexes play a crucial role in evaluating the neurological status of infants.

Moro reflex: Also known as the startle reflex, the Moro reflex is a normal response in infants. It occurs when an infant is startled by a sudden noise or movement. The baby responds by extending their arms and legs, followed by a quick contraction. This reflex usually disappears around 4-6 months of age.

Tonic neck reflex (fencer's reflex): This reflex involves turning an infant's head to one side, causing the arm on that side to extend and the opposite arm to flex. It's a normal reflex that typically disappears around 4-6 months of age.

Withdrawal reflex: The withdrawal reflex is a normal response to a stimulus, such as touching a baby's foot with a cold object. The baby will pull their leg away in response to the stimulus.

Symptomatic of decorticate or decerebrate posturing (options A and B):

Decorticate and decerebrate posturing are abnormal postures seen in individuals with severe brain damage or injury. Decorticate posturing involves the arms being flexed and held close to the body, while decerebrate posturing involves the arms being extended and the wrists being pronated. These reflexes are typically indicative of significant neurological dysfunction and are not expected in a 2-month-old infant after a car accident.

Indicators of severe brain damage (option C):

The reflexes described (Moro, tonic neck, and withdrawal reflexes) are not indicative of severe brain damage in a 2-month-old infant. These reflexes are normal for an infant of this age and are part of their typical neurological development.

Normal findings (option D):

The reflexes described are normal findings in a 2-month-old infant and are expected as part of their developmental milestones.