The client is a 7-year-old with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) admitted to pre-op for heel cord lengthening. Child has cognitive and speech delays. Experiences absent seizures numerous times daily according to parent. The nurse is developing the plan of care for the child.
To provide atraumatic care for this child post-operatively, what will be a priority?
Pain assessments
Antibiotics
Occupational therapy
Wound care
Physical therapy
The Correct Answer is A
Assessing and managing pain is a crucial aspect of providing atraumatic care for any post-operative patient, including a child with spastic cerebral palsy. It is important to monitor and assess the child's pain levels regularly to ensure their comfort and
well-being. Pain can be particularly challenging to assess in a child with cognitive and speech delays, so the nurse should use appropriate pain assessment tools and also consider nonverbal cues, changes in behavior, and physiological indicators of pain.
While antibiotics may be prescribed if there is an infection present, it is not mentioned as a priority in this specific scenario. The focus is on providing atraumatic care post-operatively.
Occupational therapy, physical therapy, and wound care are all important components of the child's overall care, but they may not be the immediate priority post-operatively. The child's specific needs and surgical procedure will determine when these interventions are appropriate and can be incorporated into the plan of care as needed. However, addressing pain is of utmost importance in the immediate post-operative period.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The Ortolani maneuver is a physical examination technique used to assess for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in newborns. During the maneuver, the nurse gently abducts the infant's hips and applies gentle pressure to detect any instability or "click" at the hip joint. A positive Ortolani maneuver, where a click or clunk is felt or heard, can indicate the presence of a hip dislocation or dysplasia.
Asymmetrical buttocks can be a sign of hip dysplasia in newborns, and a positive Ortolani maneuver is an important finding that suggests a potential hip joint problem. Reporting this assessment test result to the healthcare provider allows for further evaluation and appropriate management of the newborn's hip condition.

The Plumb line test, which assesses fetal position curvature, is not directly related to hip dysplasia and may not be significant in this context.
The Babinski test, which reveals fanning out of the toes, is used to assess the integrity of the infant's neurological system and is not specific to hip dysplasia.
The Moro test, also known as the startle response, is a reflex assessment used to evaluate the newborn's neurological and sensory function. While it is important to assess the overall neurological status of the newborn, the Moro test is not specific to hip dysplasia.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Incorrect- A blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg is within a generally acceptable range for a person with diabetes and coronary artery disease. It may not directly indicate a complication related to the episodes of confusion. While blood pressure management is important for clients with diabetes and coronary artery disease, this particular blood pressure reading is not necessarily a significant finding in relation to the client's confusion.
B) Correct- Cervical spine stiffness or neck stiffness is a potential neurological symptom that can indicate a serious complication in a client with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease. The stiffness of the neck may be a sign of meningeal irritation, which can result from various conditions including infections such as meningitis. The client's medical history includes both type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease, which are risk factors for cardiovascular events, including cerebrovascular accidents (strokes). Confusion can be a symptom of a stroke, and neck stiffness can be indicative of meningeal irritation secondary to a stroke or another neurological condition.
C) Incorrect- Dark yellow urine can be a sign of dehydration, which can be a concern for someone with diabetes. However, it is not directly related to episodes of confusion. Dehydration can cause various symptoms, but confusion is not typically associated with mild dehydration.
D) Incorrect- Excessive perspiration (diaphoresis) can occur for various reasons, including increased sympathetic nervous system activity, fever, anxiety, and physical activity. While it can be a symptom of certain complications, such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or heart attack, it alone may not directly relate to the episodes of confusion in this client.
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