peds chapter 49- neurologic disorders

What finding is consistent with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in an infant?

bulging fontanels

A preschool-age child has just been admitted to the pediatric unit with a diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. The nurse would include which recommendation in the nursing plan?

decrease environmental stimulation

The nurse is interviewing the caregivers of a child brought to the emergency unit. The caregiver states, "She has a history of seizures but this time it lasted more than 30 minutes and she just keeps having them." The most accurate description of this child's condition would be:

the child is in status epileptics

A nurse is providing care to a child with status epilepticus. Which medications would the nurse identify as appropriate for administration? Select all that apply.

-diazepam -lorazepam -forsphenytoin

A 6-month-old infant is admitted with suspected bacterial meningitis. She is crying, irritable, and lying in the opisthotonic position. Which intervention should the nurse take initially?

Institute droplet precautions in addition to standard precautions

A 6-month-old infant is admitted with a diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. The nurse would place the infant in which room?

a private room near the nurses station

A nurse is caring for a 17-year-old child with Guillain-Barré syndrome who has been in the hospital with this condition for 3 weeks. Which nursing intervention will the nurse implement to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in this child?

apply support stockings daily

To detect complications as early as possible in a child with meningitis who's receiving IV fluids, monitoring for which condition should be the nurse's priority?

cerebral edema

When caring for an infant who is hospitalized with Haemophilus influenzae meningitis, an important nursing intervention for the child would be for the nurse to:

check the child's neurologic status every 2 hours

The nurse is discussing with a parent the difference between a breath-holding spell and a seizure. The nurse will be correct in telling the parent which information in regard to seizures?

convulsive activity often occurs in seizures

A 6-year-old has had a viral infection for the past 5 days and is having severe vomiting, confusion, and irritability, although he is now afebrile. During the assessment, the nurse should ask the parent which question?

did you use any medications, like aspirin for the fever?

During the physical assessment of a 2½-month-old infant, the nurse suspects the child may have hydrocephalus. Which sign or symptom was observed?

dramatic increase in head circumference

A nurse is talking with the parents of a child who has had a febrile seizure. The nurse would integrate an understanding of what information into the discussion?

febrile seizures are being in nature

The nurse is collecting data from the caregivers of a child admitted with seizures. Which statement indicates the child most likely had an absence seizure?

he was just staring into space and was totally unaware

The nurse is caring for a child hospitalized with Reye syndrome who is in the acute stage of the illness. The nurse would assess the child most carefully for what finding?

indications of increased intracranial pressure

The nurse is caring for a 6-year-old child who has a history of febrile seizures and is admitted with a temperature of 102.2°F (39°C). What is the nurse's highest priority?

institute safety precautions

what is true statement regarding status epilepticus

it is a common neurologic emergency in children

Absence seizures are marked by what clinical manifestation?

loss of motor activity accompanied by a blank stare

A symptom often seen in the child diagnosed with Haemophilus influenzae meningitis occurs when the child has a stiff neck. This symptom is referred to as which of the following?

nuchal rigidity

The nurse instructs the parents of a child with Guillain-Barré syndrome on care that will be needed once the child is discharged home. Which statement made by the parents indicates that teaching has been effective?

our child might experience weakness even after recovering from the illness

A nurse is assessing a 3-year-old child for possible bacterial meningitis. Which sign would indicate irritation of the meninges?

positive Kernig sign

What finding would lead the nurse to suspect that a child is beginning to develop increased intracranial pressure?

projectile vomiting

The nurse is caring for an infant who is at risk for increased intracranial pressure. What statement by the parent would alert the nurse to further assess the child's neurological status?

she has been irritable for the last hour... seems like she is just upset for some reason

Which nursing assessment data should be given the highest priority for a child with clinical findings related to meningitis?

signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP)

Dexamethasone is often prescribed for the child who has sustained a severe head injury. Dexamethasone is a(n):

steroid