Impaired absorption that is caused due to block in the flow of cerebrospinal fluid within the cerebral ventricles is known as:

Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg.Entrance-2026

Explanation

Hydrocephalus is the medical term for the excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the brain's ventricles.
This condition results from an imbalance between the production and absorption of CSF.
The question specifically describes non-communicating (or obstructive) hydrocephalus, where a blockage within the ventricular system prevents the normal flow and absorption of CSF, causing it to build up.

Option B: Spina bifida is a congenital defect of the spine where the neural tube fails to close completely.
Option C: This is a broad category of birth defects of the brain and spine. Spina bifida is one type of neural tube defect.
Option D: An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an abnormal tangle of blood vessels connecting arteries and veins in the brain. It is a vascular anomaly.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pathophysiology of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Disorders as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a critical role in monitoring for signs of increasing intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients with hydrocephalus, especially infants. This includes serial head circumference measurements, assessing for bulging fontanels, and observing for changes in consciousness or behavior.
Post-operative care for a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is a key nursing responsibility, involving monitoring for infection, shunt malfunction (signs of increased ICP), and positioning the patient correctly to prevent rapid CSF drainage.
What if? If the blockage was not in the ventricles but in the subarachnoid space where CSF is reabsorbed, the condition would be communicating hydrocephalus. The ventricles would still be enlarged, but the CSF would flow freely between them.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key concepts in the question stem: 'block in the flow,' 'cerebrospinal fluid (CSF),' and 'within the cerebral ventricles'.
Recognize that these phrases describe a problem with CSF circulation leading to its accumulation.
Evaluate each option based on this core concept.
Recall that 'hydrocephalus' is the direct medical term for the accumulation of CSF, literally meaning 'water on the brain'.
Differentiate this from the other options. Spina bifida and 'neural tube defect' are structural malformations that can cause hydrocephalus but are not the condition of CSF accumulation itself.
Eliminate 'arteriovenous malformation' as it is a vascular issue, not a primary CSF disorder.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Pathophysiology of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Disorders
Stem keywords: impaired absorption, block in the flow, cerebrospinal fluid, cerebral ventricles
Lead-in keywords: known as

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E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e p. 1152-1154

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 2 p. 1385-1387

Practise the full IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg.Entrance-2026

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.