Question

Which information obtained from the mother of a child with cerebral palsy most likely correlates to the diagnosis? A. She was born at 42 weeks gestation. B. She had meningitis when she was 6 months old. C. She had physiologic jaundice after delivery. D. She has frequent sore throats.

Short answer

Answer: B. She had meningitis when she was 6 months old.

Step-by-step solution

A. She was born at 42 weeks gestation.

Premature birth is a risk factor for cerebral palsy, but a birth at 42 weeks is considered full term. Therefore, this information is not likely to correlate to the diagnosis of cerebral palsy.

B. She had meningitis when she was 6 months old.

Meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord) during infancy can cause brain damage, which increases the risk of cerebral palsy. Thus, this information is likely to correlate to the diagnosis of cerebral palsy.

C. She had physiologic jaundice after delivery.

Physiologic jaundice is a common and usually harmless condition in newborns. It does not typically cause brain damage or increase the risk of cerebral palsy, so this information is not likely to correlate to the diagnosis.

D. She has frequent sore throats.

Sore throats are a common occurrence in children and are not usually associated with brain damage or cerebral palsy. Therefore, this information is not likely to correlate to the diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Based on our analysis, the correct answer is: B. She had meningitis when she was 6 months old.

Key concepts

NCLEX-PN Exam Preparation

Preparing for the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses) requires a strategic approach that encompasses understanding not just specific medical conditions but also the rationale behind choosing correct answers in situational questions.

Specifically, for conditions like cerebral palsy, it is essential to recognize the associations between clinical history and diagnosis. As seen in the exercise, students must utilize critical thinking to eliminate incorrect options and focus on potential causes of the condition, such as infections like meningitis.

Successful exam preparation involves:

• Studying various pediatric conditions, including their risk factors and typical history presentations.
• Practicing with situational questions that mimic the format of the NCLEX-PN.
• Reviewing case studies that highlight how specific events in early childhood can lead to certain diagnoses.
• Building the skill of deducing relevant information from patient history that aligns with clinical findings.

By integrating these elements into your study plan, you will develop a strong foundation for tackling pediatric nursing questions on the exam.

Pediatric Nursing

In pediatric nursing, understanding the developmental stages and related health conditions is fundamental. The role of a pediatric nurse is crucial in early detection of disorders like cerebral palsy, which can have profound impacts on a child's growth and development.

Pediatric nurses should:

• Conduct thorough assessments that include detailed medical histories.
• Recognize and interpret signs and symptoms that could indicate developmental issues.
• Educate and support families, helping them understand the implications of early childhood illnesses like meningitis.
• Monitor developmental milestones and initiate referrals or early interventions as needed.

Pediatric nurses play a pivotal role in the multidisciplinary management of children with cerebral palsy and other developmental conditions, which may include physical therapy, speech therapy, and nutritional guidance to maximize the child's functional abilities.

Risk Factors for Cerebral Palsy

Risk factors for cerebral palsy include a variety of prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal conditions that could potentially cause brain damage in the developing fetus or infant. Recognizing these factors is crucial for both early intervention and for answering questions on exams such as the NCLEX-PN.

Some key risk factors include:

• Prenatal exposure to infections or toxins.
• Premature birth, especially before the 37th week of pregnancy.
• Low birth weight or multiple births, which often go hand-in-hand with prematurity.
• Complications during labor and delivery that may lead to oxygen deprivation.
• Postnatal infections like meningitis or encephalitis that can cause inflammation and damage to the brain.

It's important to recognize, as highlighted in the solved exercise, that not all factors present a similar degree of risk. Conditions like physiological jaundice and minor illnesses, such as frequent sore throats, do not pose a significant risk for cerebral palsy, whereas severe infections in infancy, like meningitis, are a well-established risk factor.