Professional Documents
Culture Documents
8th Edition
Pub Review
Chapter 28: The Child with Cerebral Dysfunction
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which of the following terms is used to describe a childs level of consciousness when
the child is arousable with stimulation?
a. Stupor
b. Confusion
c. Obtundation
d. Disorientation
ANS: C
Obtundation describes a level of consciousness in which the child is arousable with
stimulation.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: Page 976
TOP: Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity: Physiologic Adaptation
2. Which of the following terms is used when a patient remains in a deep sleep, responsive
only to vigorous and repeated stimulation?
a. Coma
b. Stupor
c. Obtundation
d. Persistent vegetative state
ANS: B
Stupor exists when the child remains in a deep sleep, responsive only to vigorous and
repeated stimulation.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: Page 976
TOP: Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity: Physiologic Adaptation
3. The Glasgow Coma Scale consists of an assessment of:
a. pupil reactivity and motor response.
b. eye opening and verbal and motor responses.
c. level of consciousness and verbal response.
d. ICP and level of consciousness.
ANS: B
The Glasgow Coma Scale assesses eye opening and verbal and motor responses.
DIF:
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7. The nurse is preparing a school-age child for computed tomography (CT scan) to assess
cerebral function. The nurse should include which of the following statements in
preparing the child?
a. Pain medication will be given.
b. The scan will not hurt.
c. You will be able to move once the equipment is in place.
d. Unfortunately no one can remain in the room with you during the test.
ANS: B
For CT scans, the child must be immobilized. It is important to emphasize to the child
that at no time is the procedure painful.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application
REF: Page 979
TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance: Growth and
Development
8. Which of the following neurologic diagnostic tests gives a visualized horizontal and
vertical cross section of the brain at any axis?
a. Nuclear brain scan
b. Echoencephalography
c. CT scan
d. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
ANS: C
A CT scan provides a visualization of the horizontal and vertical cross sections of the
brain at any axis.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: Page 980
TOP: Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential
9. Which of the following is the priority nursing intervention when a child is unconscious
after a fall?
a. Establish adequate airway.
b. Perform neurologic assessment.
c. Monitor intracranial pressure.
d. Determine whether a neck injury is present.
ANS: A
Respiratory effectiveness is the primary concern in the care of the unconscious child.
Establishment of an adequate airway is always the first priority.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: Page 982
TOP: Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity: Physiologic Adaptation
Copyright 2009 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Pub Review
28-4
10. Which of the following drugs would be used to treat a child who has increased ICP
resulting from cerebral edema?
a. Mannitol
b. Epinephrine hydrochloride
c. Atropine sulfate
d. Sodium bicarbonate
ANS: A
For increased ICP, mannitol, an osmotic diuretic, administered intravenously, is the drug
used most frequently for rapid reduction.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: Page 983
TOP: Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity: Pharmacologic and Parenteral
Therapy
11. An appropriate nursing intervention when caring for an unconscious child would be
which of the following?
a. Change the childs position infrequently to minimize the chance of increased ICP.
b. Avoid using narcotics or sedatives to provide comfort and pain relief.
c. Monitor fluid intake and output carefully to avoid fluid overload and cerebral
edema.
d. Give tepid sponge baths to reduce fever, since antipyretics are contraindicated.
ANS: C
Often comatose patients cannot cope with the quantity of fluids that they normally
tolerate. Overhydration must be avoided to prevent fatal cerebral edema.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis
REF: Page 980
TOP: Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity: Physiologic Adaptation
12. Which of the following is descriptive of a concussion?
a. Petechial hemorrhages cause amnesia.
b. Visible bruising and tearing of cerebral tissue occur.
c. It is a transient and reversible neuronal dysfunction.
d. A slight lesion develops remote from the site of trauma.
ANS: C
A concussion is a transient, reversible neuronal dysfunction with instantaneous loss of
awareness and responsiveness resulting from trauma to the head.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: Page 987
TOP: Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity: Physiologic Adaptation
13. Which of the following types of fractures describes traumatic separation of cranial
sutures?
Copyright 2009 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Pub Review
a.
b.
c.
d.
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Basilar
Compound
Diastatic
Depressed
ANS: C
Diastatic skull fractures are traumatic separations of the cranial sutures.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: Page 988
TOP: Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity: Physiologic Adaptation
14. Which of the following statements best describes a subdural hematoma?
a. Bleeding occurs between the dura and the skull.
b. Bleeding occurs between the dura and the cerebrum.
c. Bleeding is generally arterial, and brain compression occurs rapidly.
d. The hematoma commonly occurs in the parietotemporal region.
ANS: B
A subdural hematoma is bleeding that occurs between the dura and the cerebrum as a
result of a rupture of cortical veins that bridge the subdural space.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: Page 988
TOP: Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity: Physiologic Adaptation
15. The nurse should recommend medical attention if a child with a slight head injury
experiences which of the following?
a. Sleepiness
b. Vomiting, even once
c. Headache, even if slight
d. Confusion or abnormal behavior
ANS: D
Medical attention should be sought if the child exhibits confusion or abnormal behavior,
loses consciousness, has amnesia, has fluid leaking from the nose or ears, complains of
blurred vision, or has an unsteady gait.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: Page 989
TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity: Physiologic Adaptation
16. A 10-year-old boy on a bicycle has been hit by a car in front of the school. The school
nurse immediately assesses airway, breathing, and circulation. The next nursing action
should be which of the following?
a. Place on side.
b. Take blood pressure.
c. Stabilize neck and spine.
Copyright 2009 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Copyright 2009 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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22. A 5-year-old girl sustained a concussion when she fell out of a tree. In preparation for
discharge, the nurse is discussing home care with her mother. Which of the following
statements made by the mother indicates a correct understanding of the teaching?
a. I should expect my child to have a few episodes of vomiting.
b. If I notice sleep disturbances, I should contact the physician immediately.
c. I should expect my child to have some behavioral changes after the accident.
d. If I notice diplopia, I will have my child rest for 1 hour.
ANS: C
The parents are advised of probable posttraumatic symptoms that may be expected. These
include behavioral changes and sleep disturbances.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: Page 990
TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity: Physiologic Adaptation
23. A 3-year-old child is hospitalized after a near-drowning accident. The childs mother
complains to the nurse, This seems unnecessary when he is perfectly fine. The nurses
best reply would be which of the following?
a. He still needs a little extra oxygen.
b. Im sure he is fine, but the doctor wants to make sure.
c. The reason for this is that complications could still occur.
d. It is important to observe for possible central nervous system problems.
ANS: C
All children who have a near-drowning experience should be admitted to the hospital for
observation. Although many children do not appear to have suffered adverse effects from
the event, complications such as respiratory compromise and cerebral edema may occur
24 hours after the incident.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application
REF: Page 994
TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity: Physiologic Adaptation
24. The most common clinical manifestation(s) of brain tumors in children is which of the
following?
a. Irritability
b. Seizures
c. Headaches and vomiting
d. Fever and poor fine motor control
ANS: C
Headaches, especially on awakening, and vomiting that is not related to feeding are the
most common clinical manifestation(s) of brain tumors in children.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: Page 995
TOP: Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity: Physiologic Adaptation
Copyright 2009 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Pub Review
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25. Five-year-old Jos is being prepared for surgery to remove a brain tumor. Nursing actions
should be based on which of the following?
a. Removal of tumor will stop the various symptoms.
b. Usually the postoperative dressing covers the entire scalp.
c. He is not old enough to be concerned about his head being shaved.
d. He is not old enough to understand the significance of the brain.
ANS: B
Jos should be told what he will look and feel like after surgery. This includes the size of
the dressing. The nurse can demonstrate on a doll the expected size and shape of the
dressing.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application
REF: Page 997
TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance: Growth and
Development
26. Which of the following best describes a neuroblastoma?
a. Diagnosis is usually made after metastasis occurs.
b. Early diagnosis is usually possible because of the obvious clinical manifestations.
c. It is the most common brain tumor in young children.
d. It is the most common benign tumor in young children.
ANS: A
Neuroblastoma is a silent tumor with few symptoms. In more than 70% of cases,
diagnosis is made after metastasis occurs, with the first signs caused by involvement in
the nonprimary site.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis
REF: Page 997
TOP: Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity: Physiologic Adaptation
27. The mother of a 1-month-old infant tells the nurse she worries that her baby will get
meningitis like her oldest son did when he was an infant. The nurse should base her
response on which of the following?
a. Meningitis rarely occurs during infancy.
b. Often a genetic predisposition to meningitis is found.
c. Vaccination to prevent all types of meningitis is now available.
d. Vaccination to prevent Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis has decreased
the frequency of this disease in children.
ANS: D
H. influenzae type b meningitis has been virtually eradicated in areas of the world where
the vaccine is administered routinely.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis
REF: Page 998
TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning
Copyright 2009 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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34. Which of the following types of seizures involves both hemispheres of the brain?
a. Focal
b. Partial
c. Generalized
d. Acquired
ANS: C
Clinical observations of generalized seizures indicate that the initial involvement is from
both hemispheres.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: Page 1005
TOP: Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity: Physiologic Adaptation
35. Which of the following is the initial clinical manifestation of generalized seizures?
a. Being confused
b. Feeling frightened
c. Losing consciousness
d. Seeing flashing lights
ANS: C
Loss of consciousness is a frequent occurrence in generalized seizures and is the initial
clinical manifestation.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: Page 1006
TOP: Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity: Physiologic Adaptation
36. Which of the following types of seizures may be difficult to detect?
a. Absence
b. Generalized
c. Simple partial
d. Complex partial
ANS: A
Absence seizures may go unrecognized because little change occurs in the childs
behavior during the seizure.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: Page 1007
TOP: Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity: Physiologic Adaptation
37. An important nursing intervention when caring for a child who is experiencing a seizure
would be which of the following?
a. Describe and record the seizure activity observed.
b. Restrain the child when seizure occurs to prevent bodily harm.
c. Place a tongue blade between the teeth if they become clenched.
d. Suction the child during a seizure to prevent aspiration.
Copyright 2009 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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ANS: A
When a child is having a seizure, the priority nursing care is observation of the child and
seizure. The nurse then describes and records the seizure activity.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis
REF: Page 1010
TOP: Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity: Physiologic Adaptation
38. A 10-year-old child, without a history of previous seizures, experiences a tonic-clonic
seizure at school. Breathing is not impaired, but some postictal confusion occurs. The
most appropriate initial action by the school nurse is which of the following?
a. Stay with child and have someone call emergency medical service (EMS).
b. Notify parent and regular practitioner.
c. Notify parent that child should go home.
d. Stay with child, offering calm reassurance.
ANS: A
The EMS should be called to transport the child because this is the childs first seizure.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis
REF: Page 1014
TOP: Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity: Physiologic Adaptation
39. A child has been seizure free for 2 years. A father asks the nurse how much longer the
child will need to take the antiseizure medications. The nurse includes which of the
following in the response?
a. Medications can be discontinued at this time.
b. The child will need to take the drugs for 5 years after the last seizure.
c. A step-wise approach will be used to reduce the dosage gradually.
d. Seizure disorders are a life-long problem. Medications cannot be discontinued.
ANS: C
A predesigned protocol is used to wean a child gradually off antiseizure medications,
usually when the child is seizure free for 2 years and has a normal electroencephalogram
(EEG).
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: Page 1009
TOP: Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity: Pharmacologic and Parenteral
Therapy
40. Children taking phenobarbital and/or phenytoin may experience a deficiency of:
a. calcium.
b. vitamin C.
c. fat-soluble vitamins.
d. vitamin D and folic acid.
Copyright 2009 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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ANS: D
Deficiencies of vitamin D and folic acid have been reported in children taking
phenobarbital and phenytoin.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: Page 1015
TOP: Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity: Pharmacologic and Parenteral
Therapy
41. What clinical manifestations would suggest hydrocephalus in a neonate?
a. Bulging fontanel and dilated scalp veins
b. Closed fontanel and high-pitched cry
c. Constant low-pitched cry and restlessness
d. Depressed fontanel and decreased blood pressure
ANS: A
Bulging fontanels, dilated scalp veins, and separated sutures are clinical manifestations of
hydrocephalus in neonates.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis
REF: Page 1018
TOP: Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity: Physiologic Adaptation
MULTIPLE RESPONSE
1. The treatment of brain tumors in children consists of which of the following therapies?
(Select all that apply.)
a. Surgery
b. Bone marrow transplantation
c. Chemotherapy
d. Stem cell transplantation
e. Radiation
f. Myelography
ANS: A, C, E
Treatment for brain tumors in children may consist of surgery, chemotherapy, and
radiotherapy alone or in combination.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: Page 995
TOP: Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity: Physiologic Adaptation
2. Which of the following is a clinical manifestation of increased intracranial pressure (ICP)
in infants? (Select all that apply.)
a. Low-pitched cry
b. Sunken fontanel
c. Diplopia and blurred vision
Copyright 2009 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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d. Irritability
e. Distended scalp veins
f. Increased blood pressure
ANS: C, D, E
Diplopia and blurred vision, irritability, and distended scalp veins are signs of increased
ICP in infants.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis
REF: Page 976
TOP: Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity: Physiologic Adaptation
3. An infant with hydrocephalus is hospitalized for surgical placement of a
ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Which of the following interventions should be included in
the childs postoperative care? (Select all that apply.)
a. Observe closely for signs of infection.
b. Pump the shunt reservoir to maintain patency.
c. Administer sedation to decrease irritability.
d. Maintain Trendelenburg position to decrease pressure on the shunt.
e. Maintain an accurate record of intake and output.
f. Monitor for abdominal distention.
ANS: A, E, F
Infection is a major complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunts. Observation for signs of
infection is a priority nursing intervention. Intake and output should be measured
carefully. Abdominal distention could be a sign of peritonitis or a postoperative ileus.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application
REF: Page 1020
TOP: Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity: Physiologic Adaptation
Copyright 2009 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.