The nurse is caring for a 3-year-old toddler diagnosed with cerebral palsy. What teaching measures to prevent contractures should the nurse reinforce to the toddler's parents?

Explanation

•Preventing contractures is important to maintain motor function. Contractures can be prevented with the use of leg braces, passive exercises, and active exercises. These exercises can be incorporated into play activities.

•Children need to learn self-care measures so they can gain self-esteem from accomplishing these tasks and achieve optimal independence.

•Effectiveness of medications to reduce muscle spasticity, such as Botox, are questionable and rarely used long-term.