Author Question: Which finding should cause the nurse to suspect a diagnosis of spastic cerebral palsy? a. ... (Read 72 times)

tiara099 · **on:** Jun 28, 2018

Which finding should cause the nurse to suspect a diagnosis of spastic cerebral palsy?

a. Tremulous movements at rest and with activity
b. Sudden jerking movement caused by stimuli
c. Writhing, uncontrolled, involuntary movements
d. Clumsy, uncoordinated movements

Question 2

A young boy has just been diagnosed with pseudohypertrophic (Duchenne's) muscular dystrophy. The management plan should include:

a. Recommending genetic counseling.
b. Explaining that the disease is easily treated.
c. Suggesting ways to limit the use of muscles.
d. Assisting the family in finding a nursing facility to provide his care.

Jevvish · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Spastic cerebral palsy, the most common type of cerebral palsy, will manifest with hypertonicity and increased deep tendon reflexes. The child's muscles are very tight and any stimuli may cause a sudden jerking movement. Tremulous movements are characteristic of rigid/tremor/atonic cerebral palsy. Slow, writhing, uncontrolled, involuntary movements occur with athetoid or dyskinetic cerebral palsy. Clumsy movements, loss of coordination, equilibrium, and kinesthetic sense occur in ataxic cerebral palsy.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Pseudohypertrophic (Duchenne's) muscular dystrophy is inherited as an X-linked recessive gene. Genetic counseling is recommended for parents, female siblings, maternal aunts, and their female offspring. No effective treatment exists at this time for childhood muscular dystrophy. Maintaining optimal function of all muscles for as long as possible is the primary goal. It has been found that children who remain as active as possible are able to avoid wheelchair confinement for a longer time. Assisting the family in finding a nursing facility is inappropriate at the time of diagnosis. When the child becomes increasingly incapacitated, the family may consider home-based care, a skilled nursing facility, or respite care to provide the necessary care.