Cerebral palsy
Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.
PediatricsNeuromedium priorityneeds review
Cerebral palsy
Also testable as: CP
Etiology / Pathophysiology
- Nonprogressive brain injury or abnormal brain development before, during, or shortly after birth.
- Motor control, tone, posture, feeding, speech, and development can be affected.
Medications
No specific medication class was seeded for this card.
Nursing actions
- Assess tone, mobility, feeding/swallowing, seizure history, skin integrity, constipation, and caregiver support.
- Promote therapy referrals, adaptive equipment, nutrition, aspiration prevention, and safe positioning.
- Teach that the brain injury is nonprogressive but functional needs can change with growth.
Complications
- Aspiration
- Malnutrition
- Contractures
- Seizures
- Skin breakdown
NCLEX cues
- Spasticity or abnormal tone with developmental delay.
- Swallowing and aspiration are safety priorities.
Memory hooks
- CP affects movement; protect airway, nutrition, and skin.
Labs / Diagnostics
- Developmental assessment
- Swallow evaluation
- Hearing/vision screening
- MRI history when ordered
Review notes
- Supplemental wife-requested study card. Use for NCLEX review only and verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy.