Question

Cerebral palsy has been described as a group of permanent disorders of the development of movement and posture. In addition to motor disorders, the condition often involves disturbances of sensation, perception, communication, cognition and behavior. Develop a nursing plan of care for the client and family

Answer 1

Nursing careplan for cerebral palsy

Impaired Physical Mobility: Limitation in independent, purposeful physical movement of the body or of one or more extremities.

It may be related to

• Disease condition (Cerebral Palsy)
• Decrease muscle control
• Neuromuscular impairment

Possibly evidenced by

Desired Outcomes

Client will achieve maximum movement ability and absence of contractures.

• Inability to control lower extremities
• Limited range of motion
• Muscle spasm

INTERVENTIONS	RATIONALE
Assess the type of auditory, visual, motor, or intellectual deficit.	Knowing the type of deficit will aid in planning interventions appropriate for the patient.
Do a developmental assessment and note the development of milestones (such as stand with help, or walk when led).	A client with cerebral palsy usually has delayed developmental milestones. If one skill is attained, interventions are changed in order to achieve the succeeding one.

Perform range-of-motion exercises every 4 hours for the patient unable to move body parts.	People with cerebral palsy have a decreased range of motion (ROM) due to limited mobility and the presence of spasticity. ROM exercises promote movement and minimize the risk of contractures.
Educate the family on how to use an orthotic device as indicated.	Orthotic devices help build stability while increasing strength, balance, comfort, and independence.