Chapter 35: The Child with Neuromuscular or Muscular Dysfunction

The nurse is teaching the family with a child with cerebral palsy (CP) strategies to prevent constipation. What should the nurse include in the teaching session? (Select all that apply.) a. Increase fluid intake. b. Increase fiber in the diet. c. Administer stool softeners daily as prescribed. d. Increase the amount of dairy products in the diet. e. Allow the child to decide when to try to have a bowel movement.

a. Increase fluid intake. b. Increase fiber in the diet. c. Administer stool softeners daily as prescribed.

What functional goal should the nurse expect for a child who has a T1 to T10 spinal cord injury? (Select all that apply.) a. May be braced for standing b. Able to drive automobile with hand controls c. Can manage adapted public transportation d. Some able to use regular public transportation e. Ambulates well, often with short leg braces with or without cane

a. May be braced for standing b. Able to drive automobile with hand controls c. Can manage adapted public transportation

The nurse is preparing to admit a 7-year-old child with ataxic cerebral palsy. What clinical manifestations of ataxic cerebral palsy should the nurse expect to observe? (Select all that apply.) a. Wide-based gait b. Rapid, repetitive movements performed poorly c. Slow, twisting movements of the trunk or extremities d. Hypertonicity with poor control of posture, balance, and coordinated motion e. Disintegration of movements of the upper extremities when the child reaches for objects

a. Wide-based gait b. Rapid, repetitive movements performed poorly e. Disintegration of movements of the upper extremities when the child reaches for objects

The nurse is preparing to admit a 10-year-old child with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. What clinical features of Duchenne muscular dystrophy should the nurse recognize? (Select all that apply.) a. Calf muscle hypertrophy b. Late onset, usually between 6 and 8 years of age c. Progressive muscular weakness, wasting, and contractures d. Loss of independent ambulation by 9 to 12 years of age e. Slowly progressive, generalized weakness during adolescence

a. Calf muscle hypertrophy c. Progressive muscular weakness, wasting, and contractures d. Loss of independent ambulation by 9 to 12 years of age e. Slowly progressive, generalized weakness during adolescence

The nurse is preparing to admit a 2-year-old child with spina bifida occulta. What clinical manifestations of spina bifida occulta should the nurse expect to observe? (Select all that apply.) a. Dark tufts of hair b. Skin depression or dimple c. Port-wine angiomatous nevi d. Soft, subcutaneous lipomas e. Bladder and sphincter paralysis

a. Dark tufts of hair b.Skin depression or dimple c. Port-wine angiomatous nevi d. Soft, subcutaneous lipomas

A 4-month-old with significant head lag meets the criteria for floppy infant syndrome. A diagnosis of progressive infantile spinal muscular atrophy (Werdnig-Hoffmann disease) is made. What should be included in the nursing care for this child? a. Infant stimulation program b. Stretching exercises to decrease contractures c. Limited physical contact to minimize seizures d. Encouraging parents to have additional children

a. Infant stimulation program

The nurse is preparing to admit a 5-year-old child with a lower motor neuron syndrome. What clinical manifestations of a lower motor neuron syndrome should the nurse expect to observe? (Select all that apply.) a. Loss of hair b. Babinski reflex present c. Skin and tissue changes d. Marked atrophy of atonic muscle e. Hyperreflexia with tendon reflexes exaggerated

a. Loss of hair c. Skin and tissue changes d. Marked atrophy of atonic muscle

The nurse is caring for a neonate born with a myelomeningocele. Surgery to repair the defect is scheduled the next day. What is the most appropriate way to position and feed this neonate? a. Prone with the head turned to the side b. On the side c. Supine in an infant carrier d. Supine, with defect supported with rolled blankets

a. Prone with the head turned to the side

A 12-year-old child with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit. She tells you that yesterday her legs were weak and that this morning she was unable to walk. After the nurse determines the current level of paralysis, which should the next priority assessment be? a. Swallowing ability b. Parental involvement c. Level of consciousness d. Antecedent viral infections

a. Swallowing ability

An adolescent whose leg was crushed when she fell off a horse is admitted to the emergency department. She has completed the tetanus immunization series, receiving the last tetanus toxoid booster 8 years ago. What care is necessary for therapeutic management of this adolescent to prevent tetanus? a. Tetanus toxoid booster is needed because of the type of injury. b. Human tetanus immunoglobulin is indicated for immediate prophylaxis. c. Concurrent administration of both tetanus immunoglobulin and tetanus antitoxin is needed. d. No additional tetanus prophylaxis is indicated. The tetanus toxoid booster is protective for 10 years.

a. Tetanus toxoid booster is needed because of the type of injury.

The nurse is teaching the family of an infant with cerebral palsy how to administer a diazepam (Valium) pill by gastrostomy tube. What should the nurse include in the teaching session? a. The pill should be crushed and mixed with a small amount of water. b. The pill should be crushed and mixed with the infant's formula. c. After administering the medication, flush the tube with air. d. Before administering the medication, check the placement of the tube.

a. The pill should be crushed and mixed with a small amount of water.

The clinic nurse is assessing infant reflexes. What assessment indicates a persistence of primitive reflexes? a. Tonic neck reflex at 8 months of age b. Palmar grasp at 4 months of age c. Plantar grasp at 9 months of age d. Rooting reflex at 3 months of age

a. Tonic neck reflex at 8 months of age

What are some of the associated disabilities seen with cerebral palsy? (Select all that apply.) a. Visual impairment b. Hearing impairment c. Speech difficulties d. Intellectual impairment e. Associated heart defects

a. Visual impairment b. Hearing impairment c. Speech difficulties d. Intellectual impairment

What findings should the nurse expect to observe in a 7-month-old infant with Werdnig-Hoffman disease? (Select all that apply.) a. Noticeable scoliosis b. Absent deep tendon reflexes c. Abnormal tongue movements d. Failure to thrive e. Prominent pectus excavatum f. Significant leg involvement

b. Absent deep tendon reflexes c. Abnormal tongue movements d. Failure to thrive

What functional goal should the nurse expect for a child who has a C7 spinal cord injury? (Select all that apply.) a. Able to drive automobile with hand controls b. Complete independence within limitations of a wheelchair c. Can roll over in bed, sit up in bed, and eat independently d. Requires some assistance in transfer and lower extremity dressing e. Ambulation with bilateral long braces using four-point or swing-through crutch gait

b. Complete independence within limitations of a wheelchair c. Can roll over in bed, sit up in bed, and eat independently d. Requires some assistance in transfer and lower extremity dressing

The nurse should suspect a child has cerebral palsy (CP) if the parent says what? a. "My 6-month-old baby is rolling from back to prone now." b. "My 4-month-old doesn't lift his head when on his tummy." c. "My 8-month-old can sit without support." d. "My 10-month-old is not walking."

b. "My 4-month-old doesn't lift his head when on his tummy."

The nurse is preparing to admit a 7-year-old child with an upper motor neuron syndrome. What clinical manifestations of an upper motor neuron syndrome should the nurse expect to observe? (Select all that apply.) a. No flexor spasms b. Babinski reflex present c. No wasting of muscle mass d. Marked atrophy of atonic muscle e. Hyperreflexia with tendon reflexes exaggerated

b. Babinski reflex present c. No wasting of muscle mass e. Hyperreflexia with tendon reflexes exaggerated

The nurse is preparing a staff education in-service session for a group of new graduate nurses who will be working in a long-term care facility for children; many of the children have cerebral palsy (CP). What statement should the nurse include in the training? a. Children with dyskinetic CP have a wide-based gait and repetitive movements. b. Children with spastic pyramidal CP have a positive Babinski sign and ankle clonus. c. Children with hemiplegia CP have mouth muscles and one lower limb affected. d. Children with ataxic CP have involvement of pharyngeal and oral muscles with dysarthria.

b. Children with spastic pyramidal CP have a positive Babinski sign and ankle clonus.

A recommendation to prevent neural tube defects (NTDs) is the supplementation of what? a. Vitamin A throughout pregnancy b. Folic acid for all women of childbearing age c. Folic acid during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy d. Multivitamin preparations as soon as pregnancy is suspected

b. Folic acid for all women of childbearing age

The nurse is caring for a family whose infant was just born with anencephaly. What is the most important nursing intervention? a. Implement measures to facilitate the attachment process. b. Help the family cope with the birth of an infant with a fatal defect. c. Prepare the family for extensive surgical procedures that will be needed. d. Provide emotional support so the family can adjust to the birth of an infant with problems.

b. Help the family cope with the birth of an infant with a fatal defect.

The nurse is preparing to admit a 5-year-old with spina bifida cystica that was below the second lumbar vertebra. What clinical manifestations of spina bifida cystica below the second lumbar vertebra should the nurse expect to observe? (Select all that apply.) a. No motor impairment b. Lack of bowel control c. Soft, subcutaneous lipomas d. Flaccid, partial paralysis of lower extremities e. Overflow incontinence with constant dribbling of urine

b. Lack of bowel control d. Flaccid, partial paralysis of lower extremities e. Overflow incontinence with constant dribbling of urine

Gingivitis is a common problem in children with cerebral palsy (CP). What preventive measure should be included in the plan of care? a. High-carbohydrate diet b. Meticulous dental hygiene c. Minimum use of fluoride d. Avoidance of medications that contribute to gingivitis

b. Meticulous dental hygiene

The most important nursing intervention when caring for an infant with myelomeningocele in the preoperative stage is which? a. Take vital signs every hour. b. Place the infant on the side to decrease pressure on the spinal sac. c. Watch for signs that might indicate developing hydrocephalus. d. Apply a heat lamp to facilitate drying and toughening of the sac.

b. Place the infant on the side to decrease pressure on the spinal sac.

The parents of a child with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) state that their child seems to have significant pain. In addition to systemic pharmacologic management, the nurse includes which teaching? a. Patterning b. Positions to reduce spasticity c. Stretching exercises after meals d. Topical analgesics for muscle spasms

b. Positions to reduce spasticity

A goal for children with spina bifida is to reduce the chance of allergy development. What is a priority nursing intervention? a. Recommend allergy testing. b. Provide a latex-free environment. c. Use only powder-free latex gloves. d. Limit use of latex products as much as possible.

b. Provide a latex-free environment.

What type of cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common type? a. Ataxic b. Spastic c. Dyskinetic d. Mixed type

b. Spastic

A child, age 3 years, has cerebral palsy (CP) and is hospitalized for orthopedic surgery. His mother says he has difficulty swallowing and cannot hold a utensil to feed himself. He is slightly underweight for his height. What is the most appropriate nursing action related to feeding this child? a. Bottle or tube feed him a specialized formula until he gains sufficient weight. b. Stabilize his jaw with caregiver's hand (either from a front or side position) to facilitate swallowing. c. Place him in a well-supported, semireclining position. d. Place him in a sitting position with his neck hyperextended to make use of gravity flow.

b. Stabilize his jaw with caregiver's hand (either from a front or side position) to facilitate swallowing.

What is the rationale for orthopedic surgery for a child with cerebral palsy? a. To cure spasticity b. To improve function c. For cosmetic purposes d. To prevent the need of physical therapy

b. To improve function

A mother tells the clinic nurse that she often puts honey on her infant's pacifier to soothe the infant. What response should the nurse make to the mother? a. "That is a good way to soothe your baby." b. "Honey does not have any soothing effects." c. "There is still a risk for infant botulism from honey." d. "Honey is OK, but it should not be put on the pacifier."

c. "There is still a risk for infant botulism from honey."

A toddler with spastic cerebral palsy needs to be transported to the radiology department. What transportation method should the nurse use to take the toddler to the radiology department? a. A stretcher b. A wheelchair c. A wagon with pillows d. Carried in the nurse's arms

c. A wagon with pillows

The parents of an infant with cerebral palsy (CP) ask the nurse if their child will have cognitive impairment. The nurse's response should be based on which knowledge? a. Affected children have some degree of cognitive impairment. b. Around 20% of affected children have normal intelligence. c. About 45% of affected children have normal intelligence. d. Cognitive impairment is expected if motor and sensory deficits are severe.

c. About 45% of affected children have normal intelligence.

What statement is most accurate in describing tetanus? a. Inflammatory disease that causes extreme, localized muscle spasm. b. Disease affecting the salivary gland with resultant stiffness of the jaw. c. Acute infectious disease caused by an exotoxin produced by an anaerobic spore-forming, gram-positive bacillus. d. Acute infection that causes meningeal inflammation resulting in symptoms of generalized muscle spasm.

c. Acute infectious disease caused by an exotoxin produced by an anaerobic spore-forming, gram-positive bacillus.

An adolescent has just been brought to the emergency department with a spinal cord injury and paralysis from a diving accident. The parents keep asking the nurse, "How bad is it?" The nurse's response should be based on which knowledge? a. Families adjust better to life-threatening injuries when information is given over time. b. Immediate loss of function is indicative of the long-term consequences of the injury. c. Extent and severity of damage cannot be determined for several weeks or even months. d. Numerous diagnostic tests will be done immediately to determine extent and severity of damage.

c. Extent and severity of damage cannot be determined for several weeks or even months.

Spastic cerebral palsy (CP) is characterized by which clinical manifestations? a. Athetosis, dystonic movements b. Tremors, lack of active movement c. Hypertonicity; poor control of posture, balance, and coordinated motion d. Wide-based gait; poor performance of rapid, repetitive movements

c. Hypertonicity; poor control of posture, balance, and coordinated motion

During a well-child visit, the mother tells the nurse that her 4-month-old infant is constipated, is less active than usual, and has a weak-sounding cry. The nurse suspects botulism and questions the mother about the child's diet. What factor should support this diagnosis? a. Breastfeeding b. Commercial formula c. Infant cereal with honey d. Improperly sterilized bottles

c. Infant cereal with honey

What statement best describes Duchenne (pseudohypertrophic) muscular dystrophy (DMD)? a. It has an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. b. Onset occurs in later childhood and adolescence. c. It is characterized by presence of Gower sign, a waddling gait, and lordosis. d. Disease stabilizes during adolescence, allowing for life expectancy to approximately age 40 years.

c. It is characterized by presence of Gower sign, a waddling gait, and lordosis.

A 14-year-old girl is in the intensive care unit after a spinal cord injury 2 days ago. What nursing intervention is a priority for this child? a. Minimizing environmental stimuli b. Administering immunoglobulin c. Monitoring and maintaining systemic blood pressure d. Discussing long-term care issues with the family

c. Monitoring and maintaining systemic blood pressure

An adolescent with a spinal cord injury is admitted to a rehabilitation center. Her parents describe her as being angry, hostile, and uncooperative. The nurse should recognize that this is suggestive of which psychosocial state? a. Normal phase of adolescent development b. Severe depression that will require long-term counseling c. Normal response to her situation that can be redirected in a healthy way d. Denial response to her situation that makes rehabilitative efforts more difficult

c. Normal response to her situation that can be redirected in a healthy way

A feeding technique the nurse can teach to parents of a child with cerebral palsy to improve use of the lips and the tongue to facilitate speech is which? a. Feeding pureed foods b. Placing food on the tongue c. Placing food at the side of the tongue d. Placing food directly into the mouth with a spoon

c. Placing food at the side of the tongue

The nurse is caring for a 4-year-old child with cerebral palsy (CP). The child, developmentally, is at an infant stage. Appropriate developmental stimulation for this child should be what? a. Playing "pat-a-cake" with the child b. None so the child does not become overstimulated c. Putting a colorful mobile with music on the bed d. Giving the child a coloring book and crayons

c. Putting a colorful mobile with music on the bed

What most accurately describes bowel function in children born with a myelomeningocele? a. Incontinence cannot be prevented. b. Enemas and laxatives are contraindicated. c. Some degree of fecal continence can usually be achieved. d. Colostomy is usually required by the time the child reaches adolescence.

c. Some degree of fecal continence can usually be achieved.

The nurse is caring for a child with myasthenia gravis (MG). What health care prescription should the nurse verify before administering? a. Ceftizoxime (Cefizox) b. Cefotaxime (Claforan) c. Ceftriaxone (Rocephin) d. Garamycin (gentamicin)

d. Garamycin (gentamicin)

What functional ability should the nurse expect in a child with a spinal cord lesion at C7? a. Complete respiratory paralysis b. No voluntary function of upper extremities c. Inability to roll over or attain sitting position d. Almost complete independence within limitations of wheelchair

d. Almost complete independence within limitations of wheelchair

When a child develops latex allergy, which food may also cause an allergic reaction? a. Yeast b. Wheat c. Peanuts d. Bananas

d. Bananas

The nurse is caring for a child with tetanus during the acute phase. What should the nurse plan in the care for this child? a. Playing music on a radio b. Giving frequent back rubs c. Providing bright lighting in the room d. Clustering nursing care to limit distractions

d. Clustering nursing care to limit distractions

An 8-year-old child is hospitalized with infectious polyneuritis (Guillain-Barré syndrome [GBS]). When explaining this disease process to the parents, what should the nurse consider? a. Paralysis is progressive with little hope for recovery. b. Disease is inherited as an autosomal, sex-linked, recessive gene. c. Disease results from an apparently toxic reaction to certain medications. d. Muscle strength slowly returns, and most children recover.

d. Muscle strength slowly returns, and most children recover.

Neuropathic bladder disorders are common among children with which disorder? a. Plagiocephaly b. Meningocele c. Craniosynostosis d. Myelomeningocele

d. Myelomeningocele

What refers to 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. Meningocele c. Encephalocele d. Myelomeningocele

d. Myelomeningocele

What is the most common cause of cerebral palsy (CP)? a. Central nervous system (CNS) diseases b. Birth asphyxia c. Cerebral trauma d. Neonatal encephalopathy

d. Neonatal encephalopathy

A woman who is 6 weeks pregnant tells the nurse that she is worried that, even though she is taking folic acid supplements, the baby might have spina bifida because of a family history. The nurse's response should be based on what? a. Prenatal detection is not possible yet. b. There is no genetic basis for the defect. c. Chromosome studies done on amniotic fluid can diagnose the defect prenatally. d. Open neural tube defects (NTDs) result in elevated concentrations of α-fetoprotein in amniotic fluid.

d. Open neural tube defects (NTDs) result in elevated concentrations of α-fetoprotein in amniotic fluid.

What is a major goal of therapy for children with cerebral palsy (CP)? a. Cure the underlying defect causing the disorder. b. Reverse the degenerative processes that have occurred. c. Prevent the spread to individuals in close contact with the child. d. Recognize the disorder early and promote optimum development.

d. Recognize the disorder early and promote optimum development.

An 8-year-old girl with moderate cerebral palsy (CP) recently began joining a regular classroom for part of the day. Her mother asks the school nurse about joining the after-school Girl Scout troop. The nurse's response should be based on which knowledge? a. Most activities such as Girl Scouts cannot be adapted for children with CP. b. After-school activities usually result in extreme fatigue for children with CP. c. Trying to participate in activities such as Girl Scouts leads to lowered self-esteem in children with CP. d. Recreational activities often provide children with CP with opportunities for socialization and recreation.

d. Recreational activities often provide children with CP with opportunities for socialization and recreation.