What are some symptoms exhibited by an adult client with hydrocephalus and a blocked shunt?

An adult client with hydrocephalus and a blocked shunt often exhibits nausea as a symptom due to the increased intracranial pressure that can result from fluid buildup in the ventricles of the brain. When the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is not properly drained as a result of the shunt blockage, it can lead to pressure on the surrounding brain tissue. This increased pressure can stimulate the vomiting center in the brain, leading to nausea.

Understanding this symptom in relation to hydrocephalus is crucial for monitoring the condition and ensuring timely medical intervention. Prompt recognition of nausea in a client with a known history of hydrocephalus and shunt placement is important because it could indicate an urgent need to address the blockage and relieve the increased pressure.