You admit L.M., a 2-month-old girl with a history of hydrocephalus and ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement 1 month earlier. Her parents report that she has been more irritable than usual and, for the past 3 days, has fed poorly and had emesis five or six times every day.

1. Explain the pathophysiology of hydrocephalus and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) imbalance.

2. Explain how the placement of a VP shunt helps the patient

3. The doctors order a CT scan and lumbar puncture with a cell count, culture, Gram stain, glucose, and protein run on the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). What is the rationale for each procedure?

4. Give nursing responsibilities after the operation and rationalize