A nurse is providing teaching to the guardian of an infant diagnosed with cerebral palsy about possible causes. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in their teaching? (Select all that apply)
Certain genetic disorders that affect muscles are the most common cause of cerebral palsy.
A lack of oxygen to the fetus during development is a cause of cerebral palsy.
A poor diet during pregnancy can result in a baby being born having cerebral palsy.
Trauma to the baby during birth is a major risk factor in cerebral palsy.
Premature babies are at a higher risk of developing cerebral palsy.
Correct Answer : B,D,E
Choice A reason: Genetic disorders affecting muscles, like muscular dystrophy, are distinct from cerebral palsy, which results from brain injury. Cerebral palsy is caused by perinatal brain damage, not inherited muscle disorders, making this statement incorrect as a primary cause of the condition.
Choice B reason: Lack of oxygen to the fetus, or perinatal hypoxia, damages developing brain tissue, causing cerebral palsy. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy disrupts motor control areas, leading to movement and posture impairments, a well-established cause of this neurological condition in infants.
Choice C reason: Poor diet during pregnancy is not a direct cause of cerebral palsy. While malnutrition may affect fetal development, cerebral palsy is primarily linked to brain injury from hypoxia, trauma, or infection, not dietary deficiencies, making this statement inaccurate.
Choice D reason: Birth trauma, such as prolonged labor or forceps use, can cause brain injury leading to cerebral palsy. Physical trauma disrupts motor control regions, resulting in permanent neurological deficits, making this a significant risk factor for the condition in newborns.
Choice E reason: Premature babies are at higher risk for cerebral palsy due to underdeveloped brains vulnerable to hypoxia, hemorrhage, or infection. Preterm birth increases the likelihood of periventricular leukomalacia, damaging motor pathways, a key contributor to cerebral palsy’s neurological impairments.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Pooling of blood in a cerebral space, such as a hematoma, can cause seizures by exerting pressure on brain tissue, disrupting neural activity. However, this is unrelated to febrile seizures, which are specifically triggered by rapid temperature changes, not vascular abnormalities, making this an incorrect cause.
Choice B reason: Febrile seizures are caused by a sudden rise in body temperature, often due to infections like viral illnesses. The rapid temperature increase stimulates neuronal hyperexcitability in young children, leading to seizures. This is the primary mechanism, typically seen in children aged 6 months to 5 years.
Choice C reason: Head or neck trauma causing a concussion can trigger seizures by disrupting brain function through inflammation or neuronal damage. However, febrile seizures are specifically linked to fever, not trauma. Concussive seizures require different management, making this an incorrect cause for febrile seizures.
Choice D reason: Structural brain defects, such as cortical dysplasia, can cause seizures by creating abnormal neural circuits. These are associated with epilepsy, not febrile seizures, which are benign and triggered by fever. Structural defects are a chronic condition, unlike the acute temperature-related mechanism of febrile seizures.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Polyuria is associated with hyperglycemia, as in diabetes, where excess glucose causes osmotic diuresis. Hypoglycemia (55 mg/dL) does not cause polyuria; instead, it triggers neurological symptoms like shakiness due to low brain glucose, making this an incorrect finding.
Choice B reason: Dry, flushed skin is typical of hyperglycemia or dehydration, not hypoglycemia. Low blood sugar (55 mg/dL) causes sympathetic activation, leading to sweating and pallor, not dry skin, as the body attempts to restore glucose levels, making this incorrect.
Choice C reason: Tachycardia is expected in hypoglycemia (55 mg/dL), as low glucose triggers sympathetic nervous system activation, releasing catecholamines like epinephrine. This increases heart rate to enhance blood flow and glucose delivery to the brain, a compensatory response to neuroglycopenia.
Choice D reason: Deep, rapid respirations (Kussmaul breathing) occur in diabetic ketoacidosis to compensate for metabolic acidosis, not hypoglycemia. A blood glucose of 55 mg/dL causes neurological symptoms like shakiness, not respiratory changes, making this an incorrect expected finding.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
