Final answer:
The nurse should expect to observe symptoms of hypertonia such as hyperreflexia, muscle rigidity, and spasticity, particularly the clasp-knife response in a toddler with spastic cerebral palsy. Symptoms may vary, but these are indicative of the condition.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse caring for a toddler with spastic (pyramidal) cerebral palsy should expect to see various signs that indicate excess muscle tone or hypertonia. Symptoms characteristic of this condition include hyperreflexia (excessive reflex responses), muscle rigidity, and spasticity - a condition where muscles exhibit excessive, involuntary contractions. Spastic cerebral palsy is a form of cerebral palsy that involves the upper motor neurons and results in stiffness and movement difficulties. Specifically, the child might demonstrate what is known as the clasp-knife response, where initial resistance to movement is followed by a sudden release and the joint flexes rapidly, as well as pronounced reflexes and potentially a positive Babinski sign.
Other symptoms that might be present, though not specific to spastic cerebral palsy, could include difficulty with balance and posture, challenges in planning and executing tasks, a limp or stiff appearance, and possibly repetitive motor behaviors. It's important to note that while these findings can indicate spastic cerebral palsy, each child may present with a unique pattern, and observations should be understood within the context of the individual's overall health and development.