Exam #5 Flashcards
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are a group of birth defects in which malformations of the __________ and __________ __________ occur and the structures lack protection of soft tissue and bone. NTDs develop when the neural tube fails to close during fetal development.
brain and spinal cord
Spina Bifida is a __________ __________ defect.
neural tube
Risk factors for Spina Bifida
o Poor nutrition
o Prolonged hyperthermia
o DM
o Seizure meds
Least severe form of Spina Bifida
Spina Bifida Occulta
CSF fluid filled sac w/ no nerve endings or spinal cord in it
Meningocele
May be a closed or open sac containing nerve endings and/or spinal cord. Most severe form of Spina Bifida.
Myelomeningocele
Spina Bifida management after delivery
o Keep patient prone
o Moist, sterile dressing on defect
o Laminectomy
Spina Bifida management in utero
surgical repair
Spina Bifida management after surgery
o Post-op care: wound, VS (NO RECTAL TEMPS), antibiotics, pain control
o Manage neurological deficits
▪ Bowel/bladder training- anticholinergics and antispasmodics to help with continence and spasms
▪ Constipation/impaction is common
▪ Straight cath
o Head circumference measurements (hydrocephalus)
o Skin care & mobility
Fluid and pressure buildup in the ventricles and intracranial vault due to
-increase of CSF production
-Impedance to absorption
-obstruction to flow
Hydrocephalus
S/sx of Hydrocephalus
-Increased ICP if disorder is severe enough
-Sun-setting eyes
-Prominent forehead/enlarged
-Difficulty holding head upright
Treatment for Hydrocephalus
Shunt
Usually ventriculoperitoneal
When does shunt infection or malfunction typically occur?
Can happen at any time
Most often 1-3 months after placement
Common s/sx of shunt infection/malfunction
NV
HA
Bulging fontanels
Change in customary behavior
Lethargy, unresponsiveness, sunset eyes
Elevated temp.
Shunt reminders
-do not allow child to lie on shunt side continuously
-no contact sports
-prophylactic antibiotics w/ dental & surgical procedures
How do we determine a child’s LOC?
-observation
-using the pediatric Glasgow Coma Scale
-subjective (caregiver history)
Patient answers appropriately while opening his eyes and responding fully.
What state of LOC?
alertness
Technique: speak in a normal tone of voice
Patient opens his eyes but appears drowsy; answers questions appropriately but falls asleep easily.
What state of LOC?
Lethargy
Technique: speak in a loud voice
Patient opens his eyes and looks at the stimuli; appears slightly confused; alertness & interest in surroundings are decreased.
What state of LOC?
Obtundation
Technique: shake gently to arouse
Patient only responds to painful stimuli; verbal responses are absent or slow. Responsiveness to painful stimuli ceases.
What state of LOC?
Stupor
Technique: use painful stimuli
Patient does not respond to internal or external stimuli; they remain in an unaroused state with eyes closed.
Coma
Technique: apply repeated painful stimuli
What are the three parts to the Glasgow Coma Scale?
▪ Eyes
▪ Verbal response
▪ Motor response
Glasgow Score 9-15
Unaltered Consciousness
Glasgow Score 4-8
Coma
Glasgow Score 3 or below
Deep coma
Early signs of ICP
- Headache
- Emesis
- Change in LOC
- Irritability
- Sunsetting eyes
- Decreased eye contact (infant)
Late signs of ICP
- Further decrease in LOC
- Bulging fontanelles
- Posturing
- Papilledema
- No pupil response
- Cushing’s Triad
Meds for ICP
- Antipyretics (no shivering)
- Barbiturates
- Anti-seizure/epileptics
- Mannitol*
Tx for ICP
- HOB at least 15 to 30 degrees
- PROM q2 hours
- O2 & Respiratory care: Intubate (VAP care), Suction only as needed
- Decompressive Craniectomy if
necessary
Progressive encephalopathy w/ hepatic dysfunction
Reye Syndrome
How is Reye Syndrome diagnosed?
-liver biopsy
-lumbar puncture
-CT/MRI
What is a risk factor for Reye Syndrome?
salicylate use (aspirin)
Treatment for Reye Syndrome is
symptom dependent
Rare immune system response that attacks myelin
Caused by:
-EBV
-Cytomegalovirus
-Varicella
-Campylobacter
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
S/sx of Guillain-Barre Syndrome
-muscle weakness or paralysis
-numbness or tingling
-resp. distress
-hypotension
-areflexia (lack of any reflexes)
How is Guillain-Barre Syndrome diagnosed?
-clinical signs
-lumbar puncture to evaluate protein in CSF
-electroyography
How to prepare before a seizure
-know the triggers (lights, certain noises or smells, temp. changes, etc. )
-look for alerts: seizure animal, mediAlert jewelry, behavioral responses or complaints
Things to do during a seizure
Safety is key
-protect for injury
-keep airway stable (pulse ox, oxygen, prepare suction)
-meds (valium or ativan)
Things to do after a seizure
-document how long and patient response
-monitor VS and behavior
-complete a focused neuro assessment
Caregiver education re: seizures
-med compliance
-safety @ home, school, community
-limiting certain sports
Inflammation of the meninges that is identified by an abnormal rise in WBC in the CSF
Can be viral or bacterial; Common after OM or URI, penetrating wounds, skull fractures, contaminated LP equipment
Meningitis
Acute febrile illness causing inflammation of the brain and meninges
Most commonly viral
Encephalopathy
S/sx of encephalopathy
High fever
Coma
Confusion
S/sx of meningitis
Positive Kernig and Brudzinski sign
S/sx shared by Meningitis & Encephalopathy
HA
Photophobia
Lethargy
Irritability
NV
Nuchal rigidity
Seizures
Tx options for Meningitis & Encephalopathy
Meds: antibiotics (bacterial), antivirals (acyclovir), anti-inflammatories, antipyretics, analgesics
Nursing care: decreased stimuli, seizure precautions, focused neuro assessment, ICP monitoring, droplet precautions, freq. VS, HOB elevated, fluid hydration, electrolyte monitoring
Disorder of muscle control or coordination caused from an injury to brain during early development; most common permanent physical disability of childhood
Caused by prematurity, perinatal infections, perinatal asphyxia, meningitis, non-traumatic brain injury, near drowning, hyperbilirubinemia
Cerebral palsy
S/sx of cerebral palsy
-difficulty w/ mobility & coordination, rigidity, spasticity, hyper/hypotonia, ataxia, poor posture
-decrease in vision, hearing, emotions & cognitive abilities
-seizure disorders
Meds for cerebral palsy
-reduce spasms (dantrium, baclofen)
-paralyze certain muscles w/ botox
-control seizures (Dilitan)
-control tension (Valium)
-control secretions
-control reflux
Child’s ability to walk indicates the severity of the disease. If the child can sit by 2 years of age, they will probably walk.
Death is usually due to
the related problems of immobility, malnutrition, and seizures
Important nursing care points for cerebral palsy
nutrition, mobility, skin integrity, safety, growth & development, parental knowledge, emotional support
Decreased circulating RBCs d/t
decreased, production, increased destruction, or acute/chronic blood loss
Anemia
General s/sx of anemia
-lethargy/fatigue
-SOB
-HA
-difficulty concentrating
-pale skin
-irritability
-tachycardia
-murmur
Decreased iron supply
Most common nutritional disorder in infants & young children worldwide
Microcytic, hypochromic
Iron is needed to make Hgb This type of anemia decreases oxygen carrying capacity of blood.
iron deficiency anemia
Causes of iron deficiency anemia
dietary, increased demands, blood loss, inability to form Hgb, impaired absorption, lead poisoning
S/sx of iron deficiency anemia
mild: asymptomatic, SOB, tachycardiac during exertion
moderate: SOB, tachycardic, palpitations, dizzy, fainting, irritability, & PICA
severe: murmur, CHF, enlarges spleen
Diet for iron deficiency anemia
-breast milk or Fe formula for 1st 12 months
-no cow’s milk until 1yr & limit to 18-24oz/day
-beans, whole grains, & cereals for vegetarian
Reminders for elemental Iron supplements
-give on empty stomach w/ vitamin C juices
-don’t give w/ milk or tea
-use straw/dropper & rinse mouth (can stain teeth)
-GI side effects such as constipation, GI upset, black tarry stools may be normal
Hereditary bleeding disorder. There is a deficiency in specific clotting factors.
Hemophilia
What type of hemophilia?
Factor VIII
Hemophilia A
What type of hemophilia?
Factor IX
Hemophilia B (Christmas)
What type of hemophilia?
Factor XI
Hemophilia C
What type of hemophilia?
Factor VIII & poor platelet aggregation
Von Willebrand’s disease
S/sx of hemophilia
-excessive & prolonged bleeding
-tingling, pain, swelling
-hemarthrosis
Tx and nursing care for hemophilia
-Recombinant Factor replacement therapy (IV)
-prophylactic use
-family teaching is paramount to outcomes
-focus on safety preventing, and promoting quality of life
-genetic counseling
Hemophilia pts should avoid
aspirin, IM Injections, and activities that may cause injury
Acquired hemorrhagic disorder causing excess destruction of circulating platelets (platelet count <100K) and/or shortened platelet life span from antiplatelet antibodies
No known cause
Diagnosed by exclusion & labs
Immune thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP)
S/sx of ITP
-petechiae/purpura
-epistaxis
-mucocutaneous bleeding
-rare: intracranial hemorrhage
Tx & nursing care for ITP
Steroids, IVIG, splenectomy
Restrict contact sports & high risk activities, lean forward & pinch for nosebleeds, bleeding precautions (avoid aspirin, straight edge razors, tampons, inserting items in rectum)
Autosomal recessive genetic trait in which globin chain in normal Hgb A replaced w/ Hgb S
Sickle cell disease