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.

•Headache due to a brain tumor usually occur upon arising in the morning or when bending over. It may be intermittent as they are exacerbated by position changes and the ability of the cranium to expand to some degree.

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

Incorrect options:

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

•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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