Peds ICP Disorders and Cerebral Dysfunction Flashcards
An increase in ICP may be caused by
tumors or other space-occupying lesions, accumulation of fluid with in the ventricular system, bleeding, or edema of cerebral tissues.
what is the earliest indicator of changes in neuro status
level of consciousness
levels of consciousness in order
*Full consciousness
*Confusion: Impaired decision-making
*Disorientation: To time and place
*Lethargy: Sluggish speech
coma assessment tool
*Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
(Eye, verbal, and motor response)
on the glasgow coma scale what is defined as a coma
8 or below
a score of 3 on the glasgow coma scale indicates
deep coma
Brain death requires
*Complete cessation of brain function
*Irreversibility of condition
Assessment Parameters for Increased ICP
-Assess pupil size and reactivity
-temp is often elevated
-HR can be rapid, slow and bounding, or feeble
-BP may be normal, elevated or very low
-RR is often slow, deep, and irregular
Clinical Manifestations of Increased ICP in Infants
*Irritability, poor feeding
*High-pitched cry, difficult to soothe
*Fontanels: Tense, bulging
*Cranial sutures: Separated
*Eyes: Setting-sun sign
*Scalp veins: Distended
setting sun sign
-eyes deviate downward with rim of sclera showing above iris
-may indicate hydrocephalus
Clinical Manifestations of Increased ICP in Children
*Headache
*Forceful vomiting
*Seizures
*Drowsiness, lethargy
*Diminished physical activity
*Inability to follow simple commands
Late Signs of Increasing ICP
*Bradycardia
*Decreased motor response to command
*Decreased sensory response to painful stimuli
*Alterations in pupil size and reactivity
*Extension or flexion posturing
*Decreased consciousness
*Coma
Special Diagnostic Procedures for Increased ICP
*Laboratory tests
*Electroencephalography (EEG)
*Assessment of evoked potentials (auditory and visual)
*Radiography (rule out skull fractures, dislocations; evaluate degenerative changes, suture lines)
*Computed tomographic (CT) scan
*Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
lumbar punctures contraindicated in
patients with increased ICP or infected skin over puncture site
Nursing Care of theUnconscious Child
*Emergency management
*Airway
*Reduction of ICP
*Treatment of shock
what medication is used for cerebral edema
Osmotic diuretics: Mannitol
Indications for ICP monitoring
*Glasgow Coma Scale score of less than 8
*Traumatic brain injury with abnormal CT scan
*Deteriorating neurologic condition
*Subjective judgment regarding clinical appearance and response
Cerebral Trauma
head injury (damage to the brain)
Three major causes of brain damage in childhood
*Falls
*Motor vehicle injuries
*Bicycle- or sports-related injuries
Concussion
*An alteration in neurologic or cognitive function with or without loss of consciousness
*Transient and reversible
*Results from trauma to the head
a concussion is generally followed by
amnesia and confusion