Neuro Assessment
What pediatric scale is used to assess level of consciousness?
The Glasgow Coma Scale (pediatric version).
What is the most common type of childhood seizure associated with fever?
Febrile Seizures
What is the first priority when caring for a child with a head injury?
Airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs).
What reflex is tested by stroking the sole of the foot?
Babinski reflex.
What is the most common fracture site in children?
Clavicle
What does PERRLA stand for in a neuro assessment?
Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light and Accommodation.
What should you never do during a seizure?
Place objects in the mouth or restrain the child.
What is post-concussion syndrome?
Symptoms like headache, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating after a concussion.
What primitive reflex disappears around 4 months?
Moro (startle) reflex.
What does RICE stand for in musculoskeletal injury treatment?
Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.
Name one method to test coordination in a school-age child.
Heel-to-toe walking, finger-to-nose, or hopping on one foot.
Parents ask what to do during their child’s seizure. Name 2 correct actions.
Place on side, loosen clothing, clear area for safety, time the seizure.
What is the earliest sign of increasing intracranial pressure?
Change in level of consciousness.
At what age should a child walk independently?
Around 12 months (range 12–15 months).
What is the purpose of traction in pediatric care?
Align bone, reduce pain, decrease muscle spasms, and promote healing.
What vital sign change may indicate increased intracranial pressure?
Bradycardia, irregular respirations, or increased BP (Cushing’s triad).
What is status epilepticus?
A seizure lasting more than 30 minutes or repeated seizures without recovery.
Why are children more susceptible to head injuries than adults?
Larger head-to-body ratio, weaker neck muscles, thinner skull bones.
What is the rooting reflex and when does it disappear?
Infant turns head toward cheek stroke; disappears by 4 months.
A 12-year-old has scoliosis with a 30° curve. What is the most likely treatment?
Bracing to slow progression.
What is the difference between decorticate and decerebrate posturing?
Decorticate: arms flexed toward chest; Decerebrate: arms extended away from body.
Name one common antiseizure medication for children and its key teaching point.
Phenytoin – emphasize oral hygiene due to risk of gingival hyperplasia.
List 3 red flag signs of increased ICP in a child.
Projectile vomiting, unequal pupils, decreased LOC, irregular respirations, bradycardia.
Name two gross motor milestones for a 6-month-old.
Rolls over, sits with support, holds head steady.
What are the signs of compartment syndrome?
Pain, Pallor, Pulselessness, Paresthesia, Paralysis (5 P’s).