If a 2-year-old with cerebral palsy cannot sit up, which is the appropriate nurse response?

If a 2-year-old with cerebral palsy cannot sit up, which is the appropriate nurse response?

• A. Your child will most likely not be able to walk alone or with crutches.
• B. The chances of your child walking without crutches is good, but it is unlikely that your child will walk alone.
• C. It is very difficult to say because every child is different.
• D. Your child will most probably be able to walk alone and without the use of crutches.

Answer: (C)

In cerebral palsy, how a child develops motor function is highly variable and depends on many factors, so predicting future walking ability at age two is not reliable. Some children who cannot sit up at two may gain trunk control and walk later with therapy, while others may have more persistent limitations despite early intervention. Because individual trajectories differ so much, the most honest and supportive nurse response is to acknowledge that it’s too early to say exactly what will happen and to focus on ongoing assessment, goals, and therapies. Emphasize that progress can happen with physical therapy, appropriate equipment, and multidisciplinary care, and work with the family to set realistic milestones and plan for supports and safety.

In cerebral palsy, how a child develops motor function is highly variable and depends on many factors, so predicting future walking ability at age two is not reliable. Some children who cannot sit up at two may gain trunk control and walk later with therapy, while others may have more persistent limitations despite early intervention. Because individual trajectories differ so much, the most honest and supportive nurse response is to acknowledge that it’s too early to say exactly what will happen and to focus on ongoing assessment, goals, and therapies. Emphasize that progress can happen with physical therapy, appropriate equipment, and multidisciplinary care, and work with the family to set realistic milestones and plan for supports and safety.