A 3-year-old boy is rushed to the hospital. Laboratory and diagnostic findings reveal a brain lesion. Which of the following is considered the most common assessment finding associated with a brain tumor?

Explanation

•In children with a brain tumor, the most common symptom is a headache.

•The headache associated with a brain tumor usually occurs on arising in the morning. It may be intermittent because of pressure changes related to position and the ability of the cranium to expand to some degree.

•Brain tumors take up space within the cranium and increase ICP.

•Vomiting frequently occurs with brain tumors, but this is not as common as headaches and may come after.

•Vision changes are also common with brain tumors, but headaches are generally the most common complaint.

•Decreased reflexes or hyperreflexia may occur secondary to increased ICP, but this is rare.

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