Question

Which of the following would be most appropriate to include in the plan of care for a child who has undergone surgery for removal of an astrocytoma?

A) Elevating the foot of the bed
B) Positioning the child on his unaffected side
C) Raising the head of the bed at least 45 degrees
D) Administering large volumes of intravenous fluids

Answer 1

The most appropriate plan of care for a child after astrocytoma surgery is to (C) raise the head of the bed at least 45 degrees to help reduce intracranial pressure. Monitoring for signs of infection, like increased redness, swelling, and pain, is also important.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks about the most appropriate care for a child post-surgery for the removal of an astrocytoma. Astrocytomas are tumors that arise from astrocytes, which are cells that provide support and nourishment to neurons in the central nervous system. Post-operative care for such surgeries often includes measures to manage brain swelling and intracranial pressure.

Therefore, the most appropriate care would be C) Raising the head of the bed at least 45 degrees. This position helps to reduce intracranial pressure by promoting venous drainage from the brain, which can be critical after brain surgery to prevent complications such as increased swelling. While options A, B, and D may be appropriate in different contexts, they are not typically associated with post-operative care for brain surgery patients.

It is also important to monitor for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, and pain, which can complicate recovery. Such symptoms after surgery need prompt attention to prevent or treat potential infections.