Parents of a preschooler with cerebral palsy ask the nurse what the surgeon plans to implant in their child's body to control spasticity.
What is the nurse's answer.
Botulinum toxin.
Central venous catheter.
Baclofen pump.
Vagal nerve stimulator.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Botulinum toxin, commonly known as Botox, is a neurotoxin that is typically injected directly into specific spastic muscles to temporarily block the release of acetylcholine, thereby reducing muscle overactivity and spasticity. It is not an implanted device but an injection, and its effects are localized and temporary.
Choice B rationale
A central venous catheter (CVC) is a line placed into a large vein, typically used for administering medications, fluids, or nutrition, or for drawing blood, especially for long-term or irritating infusions. It has no role in the direct management or control of spasticity associated with cerebral palsy.
Choice C rationale
A baclofen pump is a surgically implanted device that delivers the antispasmodic medication baclofen directly into the intrathecal space surrounding the spinal cord. This localized delivery provides superior spasticity control with lower doses and fewer systemic side effects compared to oral baclofen, and it is a common treatment for severe spasticity.
Choice D rationale
A vagal nerve stimulator (VNS) is an implanted device used primarily as an adjunctive therapy to control partial-onset seizures or treat certain forms of depression. It works by sending electrical impulses to the brain via the vagus nerve in the neck. It is not indicated for the management of spasticity in cerebral palsy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A nurse is preparing a presentation for an expectant parent group about neural tube defects and how to prevent them.
Which would the nurse emphasize?
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Circumcision is a surgical procedure that removes the foreskin of the penis. While it is associated with a lower risk of acquiring some sexually transmitted infections like HIV, it does not prevent all of them, making condom use and safe sexual practices the primary preventive measures. Furthermore, this statement is not a balanced, educational response for undecided parents, who require comprehensive information on risks and benefits.
Choice B rationale
Maintaining adequate hygiene is possible in both circumcised and uncircumcised males. For uncircumcised males, proper hygiene involves gently retracting the foreskin daily after infancy to cleanse the glans, preventing the accumulation of smegma. This statement presents an exaggerated and often incorrect difficulty, failing to provide factual, unbiased information to the parents.
Choice C rationale
While the procedure is associated with pain, standard practice involves administering appropriate pain management, such as a dorsal penile nerve block or topical anesthetic, along with non-pharmacologic measures like sucrose solution and non-nutritive sucking. Therefore, the pain is controllable, and this statement is insufficient to guide a final parental decision.
Choice D rationale
The nurse's role is to provide objective information and support the parents' decision-making process, not to give a personal recommendation or push a specific viewpoint. Recommending a discussion with the healthcare provider ensures the parents receive a detailed, evidence-based review of both the potential medical benefits and risks associated with the procedure.
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