A nursing student is learning about newborn congenital defects. The defect with symptoms that include a shiny scalp, dilated scalp veins, a bulging anterior fontanelle, and eyes pushed downward with the sclerae visible above the irises is which defect?

The correct answer is hydrocephalus.

Explanation:

The accumulation of fluid within the cavities deep inside the brain is termed as hydrocephalus. This fluid build-up enhances the size of the ventricles and imparts pressure on the brain. This condition eventually makes the head appear larger than normal with broadening cranial sutures. With the enlargement of the head, the distinction of suture lines takes place, creating the spaces through the scalp.

The skull increases in size, the anterior fontanelle bulges and becomes tense, and the dilation of veins takes place. In certain conditions, with more increase in pressure, the eyes seem to get pushed slightly downward and the sclerae appear over the irises.