Question

You are caring for a 20-year-old patient with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy who has been admitted for the relief of painful contractures in his lower extremities. When creating a nursing care plan for this patient, what variables should the nurse consider? Select all that apply.

a) Patient's gender
b) Patient's comorbid conditions
c) Type of procedure to be performed
d) Changes in neurologic function due to the procedure
e) Prior effectiveness in relieving the pain

Answer 1

In planning care for a patient with cerebral palsy and painful lower limb contractures, a nurse should consider the patient's comorbid conditions, the specific procedure, potential changes in neurological function, and the history of pain relief effectiveness.

Step-by-step explanation:

When creating a nursing care plan for a 20-year-old patient with cerebral palsy admitted for the relief of painful contractures in his lower extremities, the nurse should consider several variables:

• Patient's comorbid conditions
• Type of procedure to be performed
• Changes in neurologic function due to the procedure
• Prior effectiveness in relieving the pain

The patient's comorbid conditions may affect the management of anesthesia and recovery, as well as potential interactions with medications prescribed for the contractures. The specific type of procedure will determine the perioperative and postoperative care requirements, including positioning, pain management, and mobility restrictions. Post-procedure monitoring is essential for detecting any changes in neurologic function that could affect the patient's recovery and future care plans. Lastly, considering the prior effectiveness of measures taken to relieve pain can guide the care plan to include interventions that have been successful in the past.