Pediatric Neurological Assessment and Head Injuries

Flashcards covering pediatric neurological signs, types of head injuries such as concussions and hematomas, and specific nursing assessments and interventions based on the lecture transcript.

McKenzie's Clinical Presentation

Symptoms include wailing, increasingly irritable, headache, vomiting, lethargy, quiet, uncomfortable, and drowsy.

Concussion

An alteration in mental status with or without loss of consciousness.

Head injury

A pathologic process involving the scalp, skull, meninges, or brain as a result of mechanical force.

Subdural hematoma

Blood that occurs between the surface of the brain and the dura mater.

Epidural hematoma

Similar pathology as a subdural hematoma, however, it involves rapid filling and expanding.

Pediatric Neurological Nursing Assessments

Includes assessing for ataxia, pupil response (looking for sluggishness), alert and orientation, gag reflex, skin condition, and Babinski sign.

Non-stimuli Environment

A precaution used for patients like McKenzie to maintain a low-stimuli atmosphere for neurological recovery.

Pediatric Psychosocial Interventions

Activities such as doll hospital, pretend toys, large puzzle pieces, coloring books, and maintaining home routines to build trust and friendship.

Head Circumference

A measurement that must be monitored in pediatric neuro assessments, especially when looking for changes in intracranial status.

Calculated Fluid and Medication Values

Key figures mentioned in the notes include: $43\,ml/hr$, $21\,kg$, $1520\,ml/day$, $63\,ml/hr$, and $260\,mg$.