Maternal and Pediatric Nursing Retake Exam with Standardized Questions and Confirmed Answers
Which set of symptoms are characteristic of spastic
... [Show More] cerebral palsy?
a. Hypertonicity and poor control of posture balance and coordinated motion
b. Athetosis and dystonic movements
c. Wide-based gait and poor performance of rapid repetitive movements
d. Tremors and lack of active movement ANS: A
Hypertonicity poor control of posture balance and coordinated motion are part of the classification of spastic cerebral palsy. Athetosis and dystonic movements are part of the classification of dyskinetic/athetoid cerebral palsy. Wide-based gait and poor performance of rapid repetitive movements are part of the classification of ataxic cerebral palsy. Tremors and lack of active movement may indicate other neurological disorders.
The parents of a child with cerebral palsy ask the nurse if any drugs can decrease their child's spasticity. What knowledge is the basis of the nurses' response?
a. Anticonvulsant medications are sometimes useful for controlling spasticity.
b. Medications that would be useful in reducing spasticity are too toxic for use in children.
c. Many different medications can be highly effective in controlling spasticity.
d. A pump can be implanted that delivers medication into the intrathecal space to decrease spasticity. ANS: D
Baclofen given intrathecally is best suited for children with severe spasticity that interferes with activities of daily living and ambulation. Anticonvulsant medications are used when seizures occur in children with cerebral palsy. The intrathecal route decreases the adverse effects of the drugs that reduce spasticity. Few medications are presently available for the control of spasticity.
What term is used for a hernial protrusion of a saclike cyst of meninges spinal fluid and a portion of the spinal cord with its nerves through a defect in the vertebral column?
a. Rachischisis
b. Encephalocele
c. Meningocele
d. Myelomeningocele ANS: D
A myelomeningocele is a visible defect with an external saclike protrusion containing meninges spinal fluid and nerves. Rachischisis is a fissure in the spinal column that leaves the meninges and spinal cord exposed. Encephalocele is a herniation of the brain and meninges through a defect in the [Show Less]