Nokea
The nurse is assessing a 3-year-old child whose mother complains that he is listless and has been having trouble swallowing. Which of the following findings would suggest the child has a brain tumor?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Brain tumors in young children often cause neurological signs from mass effect or increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Nystagmus (involuntary eye movement) and head tilt suggest cerebellar or brainstem involvement, common in pediatric brain tumors like medulloblastoma, disrupting coordination and posture key findings in a listless child with swallowing issues (possibly cranial nerve dysfunction). Blood pressure of 120/80 is elevated but lacks widened pulse pressure typical of ICP; it's non-specific without context. Fever and headache might indicate meningitis, not a tumor, unless paired with focal signs. Cough and labored breathing point to respiratory issues, not neurological ones. Nurses noting nystagmus and tilt prompt urgent imaging, critical in pediatric oncology for diagnosing brain tumors early and preventing further deterioration.