NR 328
(EDAPT WEEK 6)
Care of Children with Neurological Dysfunction
Pediatric Nursing
,Care of Children with Neurological
Dysfunction
This lesson provides an overview of the care of pediatric clients with
neurological dysfunction, including nursing care of an unconscious client,
general neurological assessments, and related neurological diagnostic
tests. Care of clients with Reye's syndrome, febrile seizures, and head
injuries will be discussed.
Neurological Diagnostic Tests
Match the diagnostic test with the description of how the findings are
used in diagnosing neurological dysfunction.
Findings can identify infection in the cerebral spinal fluid - lumbar
puncture
Findings may suggest a lesion is present or provide evidence of brain
death - EEG
Provides visualization of structures to detect structural abnormalities,
hemorrhages, tumors, or inflammation - computerized tomography (CT)
Provides visualization of structures with the ability to discriminate
between tissue types - MRI
Findings from an electroencephalogram (EEG) may suggest a lesion is
present or provide evidence of brain death.
Findings from a lumbar puncture can identify infection in the cerebral
spinal fluid.
Findings from computerized tomography (CT) can provide visualization of
structures to detect structural abnormalities, hemorrhages, tumors, or
inflammation.
Findings from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide visualization
of structures with the ability to discriminate between tissue types.
,Neurological Assessment
The nurse is caring for a pediatric client who suffered a head injury after
falling off a bike. Which neurological assessments should the nurse
perform? Select all that apply.
Motor function
Pupil reactivity to light
Level of consciousness
Vital signs
Reflexes
A neurological assessment includes vital signs, level of consciousness,
reflexes, motor function, and pupil reactivity to light.
Reye’s Syndrome
The nurse is caring for a pediatric client who was diagnosed with Reye’s
syndrome. Which assessment findings are related to Reye’s syndrome?
Select all that apply.
History of recent influenza illness
History of taking bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) during illness
Lethargy
Profuse vomiting
History of recent influenza illness, taking bismuth subsalicylate during
illness, lethargy, and profuse vomiting are associated with Reye’s
syndrome. Children should not take aspirin or medications containing
salicylates to manage illness symptoms because of the possible link with
Reye’s syndrome.
, Nursing Care of the Unconscious
Child
The care of an unconscious child with cerebral compromise is complex.
The nurse must be vigilant in monitoring for changes in client status and
avoiding activities that increase intracranial pressure.
Immediate emergency treatment
ensuring circulation, airway, and breathing;
stabilizing the spine (when indicated)
reducing intracranial pressure (when indicated)
Frequent neurological assessment
monitoring level of consciousness
pupillary reaction
vital signs
Pain management
observations for signs of pain including changes in behavior
and alterations in vital signs and perfusion
Airway management
use of an oral airway
mechanical ventilation
respiratory status monitored
suctioning performed as needed
blood gas values monitored
Intracranial pressure monitoring
intraventricular catheter
subarachnoid bolt
epidural sensor
anterior fontanel pressure monitor
external ventricular drainage system may be used but
presents risk for infection
(EDAPT WEEK 6)
Care of Children with Neurological Dysfunction
Pediatric Nursing
,Care of Children with Neurological
Dysfunction
This lesson provides an overview of the care of pediatric clients with
neurological dysfunction, including nursing care of an unconscious client,
general neurological assessments, and related neurological diagnostic
tests. Care of clients with Reye's syndrome, febrile seizures, and head
injuries will be discussed.
Neurological Diagnostic Tests
Match the diagnostic test with the description of how the findings are
used in diagnosing neurological dysfunction.
Findings can identify infection in the cerebral spinal fluid - lumbar
puncture
Findings may suggest a lesion is present or provide evidence of brain
death - EEG
Provides visualization of structures to detect structural abnormalities,
hemorrhages, tumors, or inflammation - computerized tomography (CT)
Provides visualization of structures with the ability to discriminate
between tissue types - MRI
Findings from an electroencephalogram (EEG) may suggest a lesion is
present or provide evidence of brain death.
Findings from a lumbar puncture can identify infection in the cerebral
spinal fluid.
Findings from computerized tomography (CT) can provide visualization of
structures to detect structural abnormalities, hemorrhages, tumors, or
inflammation.
Findings from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide visualization
of structures with the ability to discriminate between tissue types.
,Neurological Assessment
The nurse is caring for a pediatric client who suffered a head injury after
falling off a bike. Which neurological assessments should the nurse
perform? Select all that apply.
Motor function
Pupil reactivity to light
Level of consciousness
Vital signs
Reflexes
A neurological assessment includes vital signs, level of consciousness,
reflexes, motor function, and pupil reactivity to light.
Reye’s Syndrome
The nurse is caring for a pediatric client who was diagnosed with Reye’s
syndrome. Which assessment findings are related to Reye’s syndrome?
Select all that apply.
History of recent influenza illness
History of taking bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) during illness
Lethargy
Profuse vomiting
History of recent influenza illness, taking bismuth subsalicylate during
illness, lethargy, and profuse vomiting are associated with Reye’s
syndrome. Children should not take aspirin or medications containing
salicylates to manage illness symptoms because of the possible link with
Reye’s syndrome.
, Nursing Care of the Unconscious
Child
The care of an unconscious child with cerebral compromise is complex.
The nurse must be vigilant in monitoring for changes in client status and
avoiding activities that increase intracranial pressure.
Immediate emergency treatment
ensuring circulation, airway, and breathing;
stabilizing the spine (when indicated)
reducing intracranial pressure (when indicated)
Frequent neurological assessment
monitoring level of consciousness
pupillary reaction
vital signs
Pain management
observations for signs of pain including changes in behavior
and alterations in vital signs and perfusion
Airway management
use of an oral airway
mechanical ventilation
respiratory status monitored
suctioning performed as needed
blood gas values monitored
Intracranial pressure monitoring
intraventricular catheter
subarachnoid bolt
epidural sensor
anterior fontanel pressure monitor
external ventricular drainage system may be used but
presents risk for infection
