The nurse is caring for a child recently diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The parents of the child ask the nurse about the disorder. The nurse bases the response to the parents on the understanding that cerebral palsy is best described by which statement?

Cerebral palsy is an infectious disease of the central nervous system.

Cerebral palsy is an inflammation of the brain as a result of a viral illness.

Cerebral palsy is a chronic disability characterized by a difficulty in controlling the muscles.

Cerebral palsy is a congenital condition that results in moderate to severe intellectual disability.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

C. Cerebral palsy is a chronic condition that affects muscle control and movement. It is caused by damage to or abnormal development of the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture. This damage can occur before, during, or shortly after birth, and it results in difficulties with muscle coordination, balance, and motor skills.

A. Cerebral palsy is not caused by an infectious agent; it is a non-progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, posture, and muscle coordination. It is primarily caused by abnormal development or damage to the brain before, during, or shortly after birth, rather than by an infectious disease.

B. Cerebral palsy is not caused by inflammation of the brain due to a viral illness. While viral illnesses can lead to complications, such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), cerebral palsy itself is not caused by inflammation but rather by neurological damage or abnormal development.

D. Cerebral palsy primarily affects movement and muscle control but it does not necessarily result in intellectual disability. Intellectual disability can occur in some cases of cerebral palsy, but it is not a defining characteristic of the condition.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

D. This is the correct characteristic of decerebrate posturing. Decerebrate posturing is characterized by rigid extension and pronation (turning inward) of the arms and legs. It indicates severe neurological dysfunction and increased intracranial pressure, often involving damage to the brainstem.

A. This characteristic is not associated with decerebrate posturing. Adduction refers to movement toward the midline of the body, which is not typically observed in decerebrate posturing.

B. This description is not characteristic of decerebrate posturing. Decerebrate posturing involves extension, not flexion, of the upper extremities, along with extension and pronation (not adduction) of the lower extremities.

C. Flaccid paralysis refers to the absence of muscle tone and movement, which is not characteristic of decerebrate posturing. Decerebrate posturing involves increased muscle tone and abnormal, rigid extension of the arms and legs.

A. Constipation B. Depressed anterior fontanel C. Presence of the rooting reflex D. High-pitched cry

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

D. A high-pitched cry, often described as a "crying in pain" or "irritable cry," can be a characteristic sign of meningitis in infants. The cry may sound different from the infant's usual cry and may be associated with irritability, discomfort, or pain. It can be indicative of increased intracranial pressure and neurological irritation caused by the inflammation of the meninges.

A. Constipation is not typically associated with meningitis in infants. Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, which can cause symptoms such as fever, irritability, poor feeding, vomiting, and lethargy.

B. A depressed anterior fontanel (sunken soft spot on the baby's head) is not a typical manifestation of meningitis. Meningitis may cause signs of increased intracranial pressure, such as a bulging fontanel, rather than a depressed fontanel.

C. he presence of the rooting reflex is not specific to meningitis. The rooting reflex is a normal reflex present in infants, where they turn their head toward a stimulus (such as stroking the cheek or corner of the mouth) in search of nourishment (typically the breast or bottle).

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The nurse is caring for a child recently diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The parents of the child ask the nurse about the disorder. The nurse bases the response to the parents on the understanding that cerebral palsy is best described by which statement?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is reviewing the record of a child with increased intracranial pressure and notes that the child has exhibited signs of decerebrate posturing. On assessment of the child, the nurse expects to note which characteristic of this type of posturing?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is collecting data from a 4-month-old infant who has meningitis. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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The nurse explained how to position an infant with tetralogy of Fallot if the infant suddenly becomes cyanotic. Which statement by the father leads the nurse to determine he understood the instructions?

The nurse notes documentation that a child with meningitis is exhibiting a positive Kernig's sign. Which observation is a characteristic of this sign?