Exam 3 Flashcards
Physical Cues of Cerebral Palsy
Nonprogressive impairment of motor function, especially muscle control, coordination and posture
Can cause abnormal perception and sensation, visual, hearing and speech impairments; Seizures and Cognitive disabilities
Exact cause is unknown; associated with several prenatal, perinatal and postnatal factors with the majority of causes (80%) occurring before delivery
6 Cerebral Palsy Priority Care
Oxygenation/Ventilation – positioning, suctioning, incentive spirometry, aspiration prevention
Pain management – management of muscle spasms
Adequate nutrition – oral & enteral (tailored to ability), monitor ht & wt. Can use Baclofen, botulinum toxin A (botox), and carbidopa
Skin care – repositioning, monitoring skin under splints/braces
Communication – electronic devices, picture boards, touch screen computers
Psychosocial – promote independence & positive self-image; support family
Developmental – monitor developmental milestones, interact based on developmental level rather than chronological age
5 Complication of Cerebral Palsy
Complications:
Seizures
Delayed G&D
Hydrocephalus
Aspiration
Injury r/t limited mobility
Cues of Muscular Dystrophy
Absence of dystrophin that causes progressive weakness of voluntary muscle of hips, thighs, pelvis, and shoulders initially
+ Gower’s sign
3 Lab/Diagnostics of Muscular Dystrophy
Electromyography (EMG): reveals nerve/muscle dysfunction
Muscle BX: Definitive DX showing absence of dystrophin
DNA Testing: Positive for dystrophin gene mutation
Nursing Priorities of Muscular Dystrophy
Primary goal is to promote mobility, maintain cardiopulmonary function, prevent complications, and maximize quality of life
Optimize physical function – ROM, strength & muscle training
Oxygenation/Ventilation – breathing exercises, suctioning, O2, cough devices, Assess WOB
Adequate Nutrition – low calorie, high protein & fiber
Skin Care – repositioning, monitoring
Psychosocial – support groups, respite care/palliative, End-of-life care
Cues of Dysplasia of the Hip
Incomplete dislocation of the hip with intact femoral head
Asymmetry of gluteal folds in prone position
Unequal number of skin folds on posterior thigh
Shorter affected limb, walk with limp (older child)
Priority Care/assessment of Dysplasia of Hip
Neurovascular assessment
Skin care
Parent teaching
Parent teaching of Pavlik Harness
Do not take off and adjustment by provider only 24/7 for a week or longer
Skin care
Cues of Scoliosis
Lateral curvature of the spine exceeding 10° and spinal rotation that causes rib asymmetry, idiopathic being the most common cause
Asymmetry in shoulder height, prominence of one scapula, uneven curve of waistline, or rib hump on one side
Management of Scoliosis
Moderate curves (25-45°) usually treated with thoracolumbosacral (TLSO) bracing and exercise
Surgical Intervention if curve >45° or progresses despite bracing or if cardiac/respiratory compromise
Scoliosis Post-Op Care
Frequent NV assessment of extremities with VS; TC&DB; Hemovac; Foley care; PRBCs (severe blood loss anticipated)
Log-rolling only to prevent damage to hardware
Pre-medicate for pain prior to moving, and slow ambulation to avoid orthostasis; PCA pump
Operative site assessment
What is Meningocele?
Less serious form of spina bifida cystica (only has CSF in sac)
Visible defect with saclike protrusion of meninges through defect in vertebrae
Usually minor or no neurological deficits
Requires surgical correction
Priority care of Meningocele (Sac Care)
Surgery can be delayed if normal neurological function and sac intact
Report any leakage -> infection
Prone positioning
Monitor head circumference(↑ICP)
What is Myelomeningocele?
Most serious form of spina bifida cystica (sac contains CSF, nerves leading to degrees of neuromuscular, limb, and sensory deficits)
Nursing Action for Myelomeningocele
NS moistened dressings to keep sac moist
Report leaking of sac
Prone position
Avoid swaddling and blankets (keep in isolette/warmer)
Atraumatic care
Avoid Latex and post-op contamination from pee and poo
Result most frequently from accidental trauma and are the
2nd most common injury in child physical abuse
Fractures
What are the neural assessment for fractures?
Sensation
Skin temperature
Skin color
Spontaneous movement
Capillary refill
Pulses
***It is similar to the 5 Ps (pain, paresthesia, pulselessness, pallor, and paralysis)
What are the complications of fractures?
Compartment syndrome (5Ps) and osteomyelitis (irritability, fever, tachy, edema, constant pain, and tenderness )
What are the nursing priorities of care for fractures?
Promote & monitor tissue perfusion – NV assessment on a regular schedule; skin assessment
Pain management – use age-appropriate pain tool; provide both pharmacological & nonpharmacological interventions
Infection prevention & monitoring
Promote mobility – proper alignment; ROM of fingers, toes & unaffected extremities
Pt/family support & education – activity restrictions; cast application & care; proper crutch use; signs to report
What is hydrocephalus?
Not a specific brain disorder but caused by an underlying condition
Accumulation of excessive CSF within the cerebral ventricles and/or subarachnoid spaces = ventricular dilation & IICP
Prognosis depends on cause and whether brain damage has occurred
Increased risk for developmental disabilities, visual problems, abnormalities in memory, and reduced intelligence
What are physical Cues of hydrocephalus?
They are the same as increased ICP
S/S vary by age
◘Baby: bulging fontanelles, sunken eyes, prominent sutures
◘Older children: HA (headache)
Common Signs: irritability, lethargy, poor feeding, vomiting, complaint of HA (older children), altered, diminished, or change in LOC
Physical: Wide, open, bulging fontanels; Large head or recent change in HC; Thin, shiny scalp w/ prominent, visible scalp veins; Sun-set eyes; Seizures
What is the most common complication of VP shunts?
Most common complication of blockage/obstruction and infection
What is VP shunt used for?
Therapeutic management of hydrocephalus
What are the s/s cues of VP blockage/obstruction?
Increased ICP
Vomiting, drowsiness, and HA typically r/t shunt malfunction
What to do for a Shunt infection?
Shunt infection treated with IV antibiotics; if persistent, shunt is removed and external ventricular drain (EVD) placed until CSF is sterile