Parents bring their 1-year-old child to the emergency department, reporting that the child has been irritable and pounding on her head, has projectile vomiting, and seems very sleepy for most of the last 3 days. What diagnostic testing does the healthcare professional prepare the child and parents for as the priority?
A)Brain scanning with either CT or MRI
B)Lumbar puncture with CSF cultures
C)Developmental assessment
D)Ophthalmologic assessment

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Symptoms of brain tumors may be generalized or localized. The most common general symptom is increased intracranial pressure, which may cause headaches, irritability, vomiting, somnolence, and bulging of fontanels. This young child may not be able to verbalize symptoms so pounding on the head may indicate pain. The most critical test to undertake first is a brain scan. Developmental and ophthalmologic assessments will be part of the workup but do not take priority because of the threat of increased ICP. A lumbar puncture would be done if infection is suspected.

Parents Bring Their 1-Year-Old Child to the Emergency Department, Reporting