Nursing care for children and adolescents with CP

First of all, I want to share an incredible story about an older man with cerebral palsy who creates truly incredible works of art using only a typewriter. Paul is unable to hold a paintbrush, pen, or pencil, but he's found ways to create shading, shape, and depth using his symbol keys.

Access to quality healthcare and therapy during childhood can greatly increase the motor control, coordination, independence, and ability to communicate for people with CP. Normally, an interdisciplinary team-- including physicians, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech and language therapists, and nurses-- will work with an individual to meet their and their families' needs.

Nursing care goals for children with CP:

• Child will remain safe and free from injury or skin breakdown.
• Child's movement, coordination, communication, and independence will be optimized.
• Child will demonstrate their optimal level of learning ability.
• Child will participate in activities with other children.
• Parents/caregivers will demonstrate understanding of childcare needs and actively participate in care.

The nursing care plan will integrate these goals, prioritizing safety while encouraging activities that foster muscle control, coordination, communication skills, independence in activities of daily living, and bonding with other children and family members. The parents or caregivers will be included in the care process, and will be engaged in the process of creating a care plan for their child.

OHSU has provided excellent Guidelines of Care for children and adolescents with CP-- they include interview questions for the family, a template for a plan of care, and critical evaluations and procedures for each age group.