Pediatric Nursing Demystified

Administer proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce risk of gastric irri-

tation:

• Lansoprazole, omeprazole, esomeprazole, rabeprazole, pantoprazole

Nursing Intervention

Monitor neurologic function.

Check for side effects to medications.

Seizure precautions per institution protocol.

Assess for pain control.

Explain to the family that home care is necessary and there is a possible

need for hospice depending on prognosis.

Cerebral Palsy

What Went Wrong?

Cerebral palsy is the dysfunction of the portion of the brain that controls motor

function resulting in partial paralysis and uncontrolled movement. The dysfunc-

tion might be caused by hemorrhage, anoxia, rubella during pregnancy, malnu-

trition, or other conditions that might affect normal development of the brain.

The dysfunction might be caused during pregnancy by the mother contract-

ing rubella or other infection, malnutrition, abnormal attachment of the pla-

centa, toxemia, radiation, or medication. Cerebral palsy could also be caused

by a difficult birth, prolapsed umbilical cord, or multiple births. An infant

might develop cerebral palsy if the infant becomes infected or as a result of

trauma and result in prolonged anoxia or decreased circulation to the brain.

There are three types of cerebral palsy:

Spastic(most common): The cortex is affected resulting in the child

having a scissor-like gait where one foot crosses in front of the other

foot.

Athetoid:The basal ganglia are affected resulting in uncoordinated

involuntary motion.

Ataxic:The cerebellum is affected resulting in poor balance and diffi-

culty with muscle coordination.

Nursing alertThe patient has normal intelligence regardless of the patient’s

uncontrollable movements.

Signs and Symptoms

Possible seizures

Poor sucking

Difficulty feeding

CHAPTER 10/ Neurologic Conditions^217