exam 2 study guide Flashcards
States of consciousness (OBTUNDED)
the child has limited responses to the environment and falls asleep unless stimulation is provided.
States of consciousness (FULL CONSCIOUSNESS)
the child is awake and alert; is oriented to time, place, and person; and exhibits age-appropriate behaviors.
States of consciousness (CONFUSION)
disorientation exists; the child may be alert but responds inappropriately to questions
States of consciousness (STUPOR)
the child only responds to vigorous stimulation
States of consciousness (COMA)
the child cannot be aroused, even with painful stimuli.
ICP vrs Shock
ICP = systolic BP increases, pulse and respiration decreases
Shock: pulse and respiration increases, BP decreases
Assessment of motor function
may indicate certain neurologic problems such as increased ICP, head injury, and cerebral infections
It is important to assess for two distinct types of posturing that may occur
two distinct types of posturing that may occur with motor functioning
- Decorticate posturing occurs with damage of the cerebral cortex.
- Decerebrate posturing occurs with damage at the level of the brain stem.
- Extremely rigid muscle tone occurs in both *
deCortiCate (flexor) posturing
ARMS ARE LIKE C’S
- moves towards the Cord
- problems with cervical spinal tract or cerebral hemisphere
dEcErEbratE (Extensor) posturing
arms like E’s
- problems within midbrain or pons
Risk Factors for Epilepsy
- Family history of seizures or epilepsy
- Any complications during the prenatal, perinatal, or postnatal periods
- Changes in developmental status or delays in developmental milestones
- Any recent illness, fever, trauma, or toxin exposure
Nursing Management Epilepsy
- Preventing injury
- Appropriate medications and treatments
- Education and support
Hydrocephalus
- develops as the result of an imbalance of production and absorption of CVF
- Most often congenital
- Arnold-Chiari malformations
- Enlarged ventricles and ICP
- Head circumference abnormally large
- Treatment consists of ventriculoperitoneal shunt
Signs and Symptoms of Shunt Infection
- Elevated vital signs
- Poor feeding
- Vomiting
- Decreased responsiveness
- Seizure activity
- Signs of local inflammation along the shunt tract
Craniosynostosis
- Premature closure of the cranial sutures; complete closure of all sutures does not normally occur until late in childhood
- Premature closure can inhibit brain growth and a distorted skull appearance will be evident
Encephalitis
Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain that may also include an inflammation of the meninges and can be caused by protozoan, bacterial, fungal, or viral invasion
Risk Factors for Reye Syndrome
- A prodromal viral illness, such as chickenpox, croup, flu, or an upper respiratory infection
- Ingestion of salicylate-containing products within 3 weeks of the start of the viral illness
Signs and Symptoms of Reye Syndrome
Severe and continual vomiting Changes in mental status Lethargy Irritability Confusion Hyperreflexia
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a condition in which seizures are triggered recurrently from within the brain.
Types of head injuries
- Closed
- Open
- Coup injury = forehead contusion
- Contrecoup = contusion opposite to the actual site of impact to the head (hit forhead, feel back of head)
- Missile injury
- Impalement injury =pierce through the body to the other side
- contusion
- concussion
- intercranial hemorrhage
- Epidural hematoma - between the skull and the dura mater
- Subdural hematoma - between blood and brain
Common Causes of Head Trauma in Children
Falls
Motor vehicle accidents
Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
Child abuse
Causes of Nonaccidental Head Trauma
- Violent shaking: shaken baby syndrome (SBS)
- Blows to the head
- Intentional cranial impacts against the wall, furniture, or the floor
breathing anatomical differences between children and adults:
- Narrower airway – causes an increase in airway resistance
- Infants are obligate nose breathers
- Distal bronchioles are narrower and fewer in number than in adults
- Children up to 6 years rely on the diaphragm to power respiration
- The ribs are mainly cartilage and are very flexible
Intercostal muscles are immature - Flexible ribs + immature musculature contribute to retractions seen during respiratory distress
- Most arrests in children are respiratory in nature, not cardiac
Pediatric Respiratory Assessment
Airway
Breathing
Circulation
- LOOK BEFORE YOU TOUCH
Assessment Triangle
Appearance
Breathing
Circulation