Question

A patient has suffered cerebellar trauma after falling off of a ladder. The patient has been stabilized and is now receiving care on a neurological unit. When planning this patient's care, what nursing diagnosis is most likely to result from an injury to this part of the brain?

Answer 1

A patient with cerebellar trauma may face a nursing diagnosis of impaired physical mobility due to ataxia, which is a loss of coordination and balance. Additional care considerations include possible self-care deficits resulting from motor control and proprioception issues.

Step-by-step explanation:

When planning care for a patient who has suffered cerebellar trauma, a nurse would prioritize the likely resulting nursing diagnosis of impaired physical mobility, as the cerebellum is vital for coordinating movement and balance. A patient with cerebellar damage may exhibit symptoms of ataxia, which manifests as a loss of coordination, difficulties with gait and balance, and challenges in executing voluntary movements. Furthermore, the patient's ability to perform activities of daily living independently may be compromised due to deficits in motor control and proprioception, leading to an additional nursing diagnosis of self-care deficit. Conducting a neurological exam, including assessing reflexes and motor control, is crucial for identifying the specific areas of the nervous system affected and tailoring patient care effectively.