CASE STUDY ON CONCEPT MAPPING IN NURSING FOR A CHILD WITH HYDROCEPHALUS AND MYELOMENINGOCELE

Hydrocephalus, an imbalance between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production and absorption, results in ventricular dilation and increased intracranial pressure (ICP). This case study presents a 7-month-old male diagnosed with hydrocephalus post-myelomeningocele correction surgery.The child was admitted with fever,irritability, and poor feeding, alongside an increased head circumference (50 cm) and weakness in the left limbs.Despite medical management with antibiotics,antiepileptics,and antipyretics,the child showed poor prognosis due to contraindications for ventriculoperitoneal shunting.The nursing management emphasized continuous monitoring of vital signs, head circumference, and seizure prevention. This case underscores the importance of early detection and intervention in managing hydrocephalus and associated neural tube defects. Prompt nursing care, along with multidisciplinary medical intervention, plays a crucial role in the prognosis of pediatric patients with hydrocephalus.