NCLEX Examination.
Practice Question # 637.
Nclex
(malignant brain tumor)
Description
- An infratentorial (below the tentorium cerebelli) tumor, the most common brain tumor, is located in the posterior third of the brain (primarily in the cerebellum or brainstem) and accounts for the frequency of symptoms resulting from increased intracranial pressure (ICP).
- A supratentorial tumor is located within the anterior two thirds of the brain—mainly the cerebrum.
- The signs and symptoms of a brain tumor depend on its anatomical location and size and, to some extent, the age of the child.
- Therapeutic management includes surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy; the treatment of choice is total removal of the tumor without residual neurological damage.
Assessment
- Headache that is worse on awakening and improves during the day
- Vomiting that is unrelated to feeding or eating
- Ataxia
- Seizures
- Behavioral changes
- Clumsiness; awkward gait or difficulty walking
- Diplopia
- Facial weakness
