Pediatric Neurological Disorders Overview

A collection of flashcards to assist in studying pediatric neurological disorders and associated nursing care.

What are the common objectives in assessing pediatric neurological disorders?

Describe neurologic, physical, and developmental disorders; assess children; formulate nursing diagnoses; implement nursing care.

What is the role of neurons in the nervous system?

Neurons transmit impulses; axons transmit impulses away from the nucleus, while dendrites transmit impulses to the nucleus.

At what age does the nervous system reach optimal function?

Around 12 years old.

What are the main components of the central nervous system (CNS)?

The brain, spinal cord, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

What are some signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?

Increased head circumference, vomiting, eye changes, vital sign changes, and pain.

What is a lumbar puncture used for?

To assess for increased ICP and collect CSF for laboratory studies.

What are the typical symptoms of bacterial meningitis in newborns?

Irritability, poor feeding, lethargy, bulging fontanelles.

What is Reye syndrome?

Acute encephalopathy with fatty infiltrations, typically following viral infections and associated with aspirin use.

What are the characteristics of spastic cerebral palsy?

Excessive tone in voluntary muscles, hypertonic muscles, and abnormal reflexes.

What defines tonic-clonic seizures?

Three stages: prodromal, tonic-clonic, and postictal.

What is status epilepticus?

A seizure lasting longer than 30 minutes or a series of seizures without return to consciousness.

What is the first step in managing a child with increased ICP?

Relieve the pressure; involves ICU care and monitoring.

What precautions should be taken for children experiencing seizures?

Ensure safety, pad siderails, place in a side-lying position, and do not restrain during a seizure.