If a client's cranium is not fused and shows signs of blockage, what should be expected to happen?

When a client's cranium is not fused and shows signs of blockage, it indicates that there may be increased intracranial pressure due to the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In cases where the bones of the skull are not fused—such as in infants whose sutures have not adequately closed—expansion of the head can occur as a compensatory mechanism.

The cranial sutures allow for growth of the skull, accommodating the developing brain. Therefore, as pressure builds up from fluid accumulation, the skull can expand, leading to an increase in the size of the head. This is a common scenario with conditions such as hydrocephalus, where there is excessive cerebrospinal fluid on the brain.

The other options do not accurately describe the outcomes of such a situation. For example, stating that no changes will occur contradicts the physiological responses observed in cases of blocked pathways in the cranium. Similarly, fluid draining naturally is unlikely when there is a blockage preventing normal drainage. Lastly, while seizures may develop as a secondary complication, the primary immediate outcome to be expected is the growth of the head due to the expanding fluid. Thus, expecting the head to grow in response to such a condition aligns with the body's adaptive processes