Ch. 29: Down Syndrome Flashcards
What kind of abnormality is down syndrome?
Chromosomal abnormality
What is a risk factor for down syndrome?
Maternal age greater than 35
How is their head?
- Separated sagittal suture
- Enlarged anterior fontanel
- Small round head
- Flattened forehead
How are their eyes?
Upward, outward slant to eyes
How is their nose?
Small nose with depressed nasal bridge
How are their ears?
Small ears with short pinna
How is their mouth?
- High arched narrow palate
- Protruding tonuge
How is their neck?
Short, broad neck
How is their rib cage?
Shortened rib cage
Any heart problems?
Possible congenital heart defect
How is abdomen?
Protruding
How are feet and hands?
Broad, short feet and hands with stubby toes and fingers
Down syndrome children have a _____ palmar crease
Transverse palmar crease with a large space between big and second toes with plantar crease
How is their stature?
Short
What kind of flexibility?
Hyperflexibility and hypotonia
How can DS be tested in prenatal?
Testing for alpha-fetoprotein in maternal serum
How can DS be tested in an infant?
Chromosome analysis and echocardiography
What kind of surgical interventions can we give a pt with DS?
Depends on the associated congenital anomalies–this may include cardia defects or strabismus
Nursing care and ongoing care: we do what and teach parents what?
Manage secretions and prevention of URI—teach fam how to aspirate nasal secretions, rinse mouth after feedings, and use a cool mist in the room to assist moistening secretions
Can we do postural drainage with percussion on a DS child?
Yes, we need to teach parents pulmonary hygiene by performing postural drainage with percussion
What do we teach parents about the DS childs tongue?
Teach feeding strategies to accommodate for the protruding tongue
What kind of diet should we give for DS child?
High fiber and fluid to prevent constopation
Monitor calorie intake to prevent obesity
How do we monitor weight and height?
Plotting growth on DS growth chartt
What should be evaluated frequently in DS child?
Eyesight and hearing—also provide frequent thyroid functioning tests
What is atlantoaxial instability?
Something we assess for—it is neck pain, weakness, and torticollis
What is a complication of DS?
Respiratory infections are COMMON due to decreased muscle tone and poor drainage of mucose because of HYPOTONICITY associated with underdeveloped nasal bone
A nurse is teaching a group of parents about possible manifestation of DS. Which of the following should she include in the teaching? (SATA)
A. A large head with bulging fontanelles B. Larger ears that are set back C. Protruding abdomen D. Broad, short feet and hands E. Hypotonia
C, D, E
