A nurse is collecting data from an infant who hit her head when she fell off of a dressing table. The nurse should identify which of the following findings as indicating increased intracranial pressure?

A. Brisk pupillary reaction to light: A brisk pupillary reaction to light is a normal neurological finding and does not indicate increased ICP. Increased ICP might present with a sluggish or unequal pupil response.

B. Irritability: Irritability is a common early sign of increased ICP in infants. Changes in behaviour, such as increased irritability or lethargy, can indicate a neurological problem, including increased pressure within the skull.

C. Tachycardia: Tachycardia (increased heart rate) is not a typical indicator of increased ICP. Bradycardia (decreased heart rate) is more commonly associated with increased ICP due to the pressure on the brainstem affecting autonomic functions.

D. Increased sensory response to painful stimuli: Increased sensory response is not typically indicative of increased ICP. In fact, as ICP worsens, a decrease in sensory response or altered level of consciousness is more likely.

Place the infant in a knee-chest position: Indicated: ☑️

The knee-chest position is commonly used during a "tet spell," which involves episodes of cyanosis due to decreased oxygen levels. This position increases systemic vascular resistance, which helps redirect blood flow to the lungs, improving oxygenation.

Administer morphine via IV bolus: Indicated: ☑️

Morphine is used to calm the infant, reduce respiratory effort, and decrease pulmonary vascular resistance. It can help in reducing the severity of the tet spell by promoting better oxygenation.

Provide 100% oxygen by face mask: Indicated: ☑️

Administering 100% oxygen can help increase the amount of oxygen in the blood and reduce the effects of hypoxia. Oxygen is a vasodilator and can reduce pulmonary resistance, making it easier for the infant to oxygenate blood.

Request a prescription for a diuretic: Contraindicated: ☑️

Diuretics are generally not indicated in the acute management of tet spells. While they are used in conditions with fluid overload, their use in this context is not beneficial and could potentially worsen the infant's condition by causing dehydration and further reducing blood volume.

Perform nasopharyngeal suctioning for a maximum of 5 seconds: Contraindicated: ☑️

Nasopharyngeal suctioning can be stressful for the infant and may worsen cyanosis or provoke a tet spell due to increased agitation and respiratory effort. It's typically not recommended unless there's a clear indication for airway clearance.

Prepare to assist with the insertion of a chest tube: Contraindicated: ☑️

Chest tube insertion is not a treatment for tet spells or ToF. It is usually indicated for pneumothorax or significant pleural effusions, which are not related to the acute cyanotic episodes seen in ToF. Preparing for this procedure would be inappropriate in this scenario.