A nurse is caring for a 5-year-old child diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP). Which intervention is most appropriate for promoting mobility and preventing contractures in this child?
A nurse is caring for a 5-year-old child diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP). Which intervention is most appropriate for promoting mobility and preventing contractures in this child?
A. Encouraging the child to remain in a stationary position to avoid fatigue.
[1%]
B. Encouraging the child to engage in strenuous physical activities to strengthen the affected muscles.
[3%]
C. Implementing a regular stretching and range of motion exercises routine.
[90%]
D. Administering muscle relaxants to reduce muscle spasms and stiffness.
[6%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Child Health
Lesson
Musculoskeletal
Client Need
Test Plan
Physiological Adaptation
Related Topic
Illness Management
Item Type
Item Type
Application
Explanation
Choice C is correct. Regular stretching and range of motion exercises are essential components of managing cerebral palsy. These exercises help prevent contractures, maintain joint flexibility, and improve overall mobility in children with cerebral palsy. They should be performed regularly under the guidance of healthcare professionals to maximize their effectiveness and minimize the risk of injury.
Choice A is incorrect. Encouraging the child to remain stationary can actually worsen muscle stiffness and contractures in cerebral palsy. Prolonged immobility can lead to muscle atrophy and exacerbate the child's condition.
Choice B is incorrect. Strenuous activities can potentially exacerbate muscle stiffness, increase the risk of injury, and worsen the symptoms of cerebral palsy. Children with cerebral palsy often have limitations in muscle control and coordination, making strenuous activities not only ineffective but also potentially harmful.
Choice D is incorrect. While muscle relaxants may be prescribed in some cases to manage muscle spasms and stiffness associated with cerebral palsy, they are not the primary intervention for promoting mobility and preventing contractures.
Related Videos
2 Key Topics
Cerebral Palsy
31.9 Neurologic Disorders
Additional Info
✓ CP is a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. It is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture. CP affects muscle tone, coordination, and motor skills, and the severity of the condition can vary widely among individuals.
- Common signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy include:
- Abnormal muscle tone (either too stiff or too floppy)
- Impaired coordination and balance
- Delayed development of motor skills such as sitting, crawling, or walking
- Involuntary movements or tremors
- Difficulty with fine motor skills, such as grasping objects or writing
- Speech and communication difficulties
- Gait abnormalities (e.g., walking on toes, walking with a crouched gait)
- Seizures (in some cases)
✓ Cerebral palsy is the most common motor disability in childhood. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of cerebral palsy is estimated to be approximately 1 in 345 children in the United States. Globally, the prevalence varies, but it is generally reported to be between 1.5 to more than 4 cases per 1,000 live births.
