Peds Final Review - Neuro Flashcards
DOWN SYNDROME
Most common chromosomal abnormality in children
Results from a trisomy of chromosome 21, and in less than 5% of cases, a translocation of chromosome 21
Down syndrome is associated with maternal age over 35
DOWN SYNDROME Nursing Assessment:
Flat, broad nasal bridge
Inner epicanthal eye folds
Upward, outward slant of eyes
Protruding tongue
Short neck
Transverse palmar crease (simian crease)
Hyperextensible and lax joints (hypotonia)
DOWN SYNDROME Nursing Assessment:
Common associated problems:
Cardiac defects
Respiratory infections
Feeding difficulties
Delayed developmental skills
Mental retardation
Skeletal defects Altered
immune function
Endocrine dysfunctions
DOWN SYNDROME Nursing Diagnoses
Delayed growth and development
Risk for impaired parenting
DOWN SYNDROME Nursing Interventions:
Assist and support parents during the diagnostic process and management of child’s associated problems
Assess and monitor growth and development
Teach use of bulb syringe for suctioning nares
Teach signs of respiratory infection
Assist family with feeding problems
Feed to back and side of mouth
Monitor for signs of cardiac difficulty or respiratory infection
Refer family to early intervention program
Refer to other specialist as indicated: nutritionist, speech therapist, physical therapist, and occupational therapist
The nursing goal in caring for a child with Down syndrome is to help the child reach his or her optimal level of functioning.
CEREBRAL PALSY (CP)
Nonprogressive injury to the motor centers of the brain causing neuromuscular problems of spasticity or dyskinesia (involuntary movements).
Associated problems may include mental retardation and seizures.
Causes include:
Anoxic injury before, during, or after birth
Maternal infections
Kernicterus
Low birth weight (major risk factor)
CEREBRAL PALSY (CP)
Nursing Assessment:
Persistent neonatal reflexes (Moro, tonic neck) after 6 months
Delayed developmental milestones
Apparent early preference for one hand
Poor suck, tongue thrust
Spasticity (may be described as “difficulty with diapering” by mother or caregiver)
Scissoring of legs (legs are extended and crossed over each other, feet are plantar-flexed; a common characteristic of spastic CP
Involuntary movements
Seizures
CEREBRAL PALSY (CP)
Nursing Diagnoses:
Delayed growth and development related to …….
Risk for imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements related to…….
CEREBRAL PALSY (CP)
Nursing Interventions:
Identify cerebral palsy through follow-up of high-risk infants such as premature infants.
Refer to community-based agencies.
Coordinate with physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, nutritionist, orthopedic surgeon, and neurologist.
Support family through grief process at diagnosis and throughout the child’s life. Caring for severely affected children is very challenging.
Administer anticonvulsant medications such as phenytoin (Dilantin) if prescribed.
Administer diazepam (Valium) for muscle spasms if prescribed.
CEREBRAL PALSY (CP)
NCLEX Hint: Feed infant or child with cerebral palsy using nursing interventions aimed at preventing aspiration.
Position child upright, and support the lower jaw.
INCREASED INTRACRANIAL PRESSURE
Nursing Assessment:
Signs of increased intracranial pressure:
Infant
Poor feeding or vomiting
Irritability or restlessness
Lethargy
Bulging fontanel
High-pitched cry
Increased head circumference
Separation of cranial sutures
Distended scalp veins
Eyes deviated downward
Increased or decreased pain response
INCREASED INTRACRANIAL PRESSURE
Nursing Assessment:
Signs of increased intracranial pressure:
Child
Headache
Diplopia
Mood swings
Slurred speech
Papilledema
Altered level of consciousness
Nausea and vomiting, especially in morning
SPINA BIFIDA
Definition:
Malformation of the vertebrae and spinal cord resulting in varying degrees of disability and deformity.
Spina bifida occulta
is a defect of vertebrae only. No sac is present, and it is usually a benign condition, although bowel and bladder problems may occur.
SPINA BIFIDA With meningocele and myelomeningocele
a sac is present at some point along the spine.
SPINA BIFIDA
Meningocele
contains only meninges and spinal fluid and has less neurologic involvement than a myelomeningocele.
SPINA BIFIDA
Myelomeningocele
is more severe than meningocele because the sac contains spinal fluid, meninges, and nerves.
SPINA BIFIDA
The severity of neurologic impairment is determined by the anatomic level of the defect.
SPINA BIFIDA
Every child with a history of spina bifida should be placed on latex precautions.
SPINA BIFIDA
Prevention:
folic acid 0.4 mg is taken daily for all women of child bearing age
SPINA BIFIDA Nursing Assessment:
Spina bifida occulta: dimple with or without hair tuft at base of spine
Presence of sac in myelomeningocele is usually lumbar or lumbosacral
Flaccid paralysis and limited or no feeling below the defect
Head circumference at variance with norms on growth grids
Associated problems:
Hydrocephalus (90% with myelomeningocele)
Neurogenic bladder, poor anal sphincter tone
Congenital dislocated hips
Club feet
Skin problems associated with anesthesia below the defect
Scoliosis
SPINA BIFIDA Nursing Diagnoses:
Risk for infection R/T
Impaired urinary elimination patterns R/T
Impaired physical mobility R/T
SPINA BIFIDA Nursing Diagnoses:
Risk for infection R/T
Impaired urinary elimination patterns R/T
Impaired physical mobility R/T
SPINA BIFIDA Nursing Interventions
Preoperative:
Place infant in prone position
Keep sac free of stool and urine
Cover sac with moist sterile dressing
Position child on his/her abdomen, with legs abducted
Measure head circumference every 8 hours; check fontanel
Assess neurologic function
Monitor for signs of infection
Empty bladder using Crede’ method, or catheterize if needed
Promote parent-infant bonding
SPINA BIFIDA Nursing Interventions
Postoperative:
place infant in prone position
Make same assessments as preoperatively
Assess incision for drainage and infection
Assess neurologic function
SPINA BIFIDA Nursing Interventions
Long-term care
Teach family catheterization program when child is young
Help older children to learn self-catherization
Administer urecholine ( a cholinergic medication)as prescribed to improve continence
Develop bowel program
- -High fiber diet
- -Increased fluids
- -Regular fluids
- -Suppositories as needed
Assess skin condition frequently
Assist with range-of-motion (ROM) exercises, ambulation, and bracing, if client is able
Coordinate with team members: neurologist, orthopedist, urologist, physical therapist, and nutritionist
Support independent functioning of child
Assist family to make realistic developmental expectations of child
HYDROCEPHALUS
Condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the ventricles of the brain
It is usually caused by an obstruction in the flow of CSF between the ventricles
Hydrocephalus is most often associated with spina bifida. It can be a complication of meningitis.
HYDROCEPHALUS
Nursing Assessment:
Early manifestations of hydrocephalus in the INFANT:
Rapid head growth
Full, bulging fontanel
Irritability
Poor feeding
Distended, prominent scalp veins
Widely separated cranial sutures
HYDROCEPHALUS
Early manifestations of hydrocephalus in the CHILD:
Strabismus
Headache that occurs in the morning and is relieved by emesis or sitting upright
Nausea and vomiting (may be projectile)
Diplopia
Restlessness
Behavior or personality changes
Ataxia
Sluggish or unequal pupillary responses
Confusion
Changes in school work
Lethargy