A nurse is assessing a client with glioblastoma. What assessment is most important?
When assessing a client with glioblastoma, the most important assessment is to evaluate the client’s neurological status
When assessing a client with glioblastoma, the most important assessment is to evaluate the client’s neurological status. Glioblastoma is a type of aggressive brain tumor that can cause pressure and damage to the surrounding brain tissue, leading to neurological deficits.
To assess the client’s neurological status, the nurse should look for any changes in the client’s level of consciousness, such as confusion, disorientation, or decreased responsiveness. The nurse should also assess the client’s motor function, including strength, coordination, and balance. Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body may indicate involvement of the motor cortex.
The nurse should further evaluate the client’s sensory function, especially noting any changes in vision, hearing, touch, or sensation. Any vision disturbances, such as blurry or double vision, or hearing loss could be indicative of tumor involvement in the respective regions of the brain. Additionally, the nurse should assess the client’s speech and language abilities, as glioblastomas can affect the language centers of the brain. Changes in speech, such as slurred speech or difficulty finding words, may be present.
The assessment should also focus on any other neurological symptoms, such as seizures, headaches, or changes in coordination or balance. Seizures are a common symptom of glioblastoma and may present as jerking movements, loss of consciousness, or uncontrollable shaking. Headaches, often severe and persistent, may occur due to increased intracranial pressure caused by the tumor. Any changes in coordination or balance should also be noted, as they may indicate tumor growth affecting the cerebellum.
It is vital for the nurse to perform a thorough neurological assessment in order to monitor the progression of the disease, evaluate the effectiveness of treatment interventions, and promptly identify any worsening of neurological symptoms. This will help guide the healthcare team in providing appropriate care and interventions for the client with glioblastoma.
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