Chronic Illness Nursing Questions Related

Review Chronic Illness Nursing Questions related questions and content

The nurse is providing preoperative care for a 7-year-old patient with a brain tumor. Which of the following is the priority intervention?

  • A. Assessing the child's level of consciousness
  • B. Providing a tour of the intensive care unit for the child and parents
  • C. Educating the child and parents about shunts
  • D. Having the child talk to another child who has had this surgery
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: For a child with a brain tumor preoperatively, assessing level of consciousness (LOC) is the priority, as it monitors for increased intracranial pressure (ICP) from tumor mass effect vital signs like alertness or confusion shift rapidly and signal deterioration needing immediate action. No baseline data exists here, making LOC the first step in the nursing process to guide care. An ICU tour reduces anxiety but delays critical assessment. Shunt education applies post-diagnosis of hydrocephalus, not universally pre-op, and lacks urgency without LOC context. Peer support is psychosocial, not physiological, and secondary. LOC assessment aligns with ABCs (circulation includes cerebral perfusion), ensuring the nurse detects neurological decline early, a cornerstone of pediatric neuro-oncology care before surgery.