TLO 2.9 Neurological/Sensory Motor Child Flashcards
Glasgow Coma Scale
Standardized scale that assesses the LOC of infants and children Assesses: Eye opening: 1-4 Verbal response: 1-5 Motor response: 1-6 Higher score: intact infant Lower score: coma
GCS
Patient with GCS of 3 is either dead or in vegetative state
GCS of 15 if normal
LOC is the best indicator to determine the depth of the comatose state
Children older than 3 should be able to state their name
Diagnostic test EEG
EEG identifies electrical activity of the brain
- regular diet no caffeine or simulants
- clean hair
- sleep deprived night before test
- painless
Diagnostic test CT scan
Identifies abnormal tissue structures, bleeding, hydrocephalus
IV if contrast used
Allergies
Sedate if necessary
Diagnostic test MRI of head
Sedated if agitated or afraid
Needs to lay still
Loud clicking noises
Head will be restrained, painless
Increased intracranial pressure IICP
A rise in pressure of the brain >20 mmHg.
Many causes of ICP
Brain tumor, hematoma
Infection, trauma
Overproductions of CSF, hypoxia (cause brain swelling)
Brain aneurysms
Brain damage prenatally or during birth (Cerebral Palsy)
Hydrocephalus, spina bifida, myelomeningocele
ICP assessment
Often have altered LOC with increased ICP. Use GCS Nursing assessment: LOC Behavior Pupil evaluation Motor function Vital signs Developmental function, delayed milestones
Manifestations of ICP infant
Infant: Poor feeding/vomiting Irritability/restlessness Lethargy Bulging fontanel High pitched cry Increased head circumference Cranial suture separation Distended scalp veins Eyes deviated downward Increase/decrease pain response
Manifestation of ICP chidren
Child: HA Diplopia Mood swings Slurred speech Altered LOC N/V especially in AM **head circumference is most significant neuro assessment for children <2
Assessment ICP Behavior
Behavior:
Behavior changes are important early signs of ICP
Involved parents ask questions
Inability to recognize parents, follow commands, minimal response to pain is deteriorating
Assessment ICP Pupils
Pupils:
ICP rises= 3rd cranial nerve compresses causing pupil dilatation and sluggish or absent constriction
Fixed dilated: bad suggests herniation of brains
Should be equal round reactive to light, accommodation (PERRLA)
Assessment ICP motor function
Motor function:
Purposeful movement will decrease
Abnormal posturing may be seen:
Decorticate: flexion upper extremities
Decerebrate: extension of upper extremities with internal rotation of upper are and wrist
Progression from decorticate to decerebrate indicates deteriorating neuro function
Flaccid paralysis indicates further deterioration in condition
Nursing interventions of ICP
HOB 30-40 degrees: facilitates venous draining reducing ICP
Avoid prone, supine position, hip flexion, neck flexion: this will increase ICP
Monitor for fever, seizures, hypotension, hypercapnia: this can increase ICP, avoid coughing
Block care reduces stimulation: too much stimulation can increase ICP, triggering seizure
Neuro checks: provides baseline
Monitor I/O: fluids affect ICP
Have emergency equipment: cardiac arrest
Seizures
three major classifications
Caused by excessive abnormal discharge of neurons
More than 2 seizures= epilepsy
Three major classifications of seizure:
Focal: 1 part of brain may/may not alter consciousness
Generalized: entire brain involved alters consciousness
Unknown
Seizures
Classified according to type
Tonic clonic (grand mal) generalized body involvement
Atonic: abrupt loss of postural tone drop head or drop to floor and get back up like nothing happened
Myoclonic: contraction and relaxation of muscles
Absence (petit mal): no muscle activity instead eyes roll upward
Focal: symptoms on one side of body often aura present prior to
