Cerebral palsy (CP) brings complex, lifelong challenges affecting movement, posture, feeding, communication, and participation. A clear, evidence-based nursing care plan guides safe, coordinated, and compassionate care across hospital, clinic, school, and home settings. This comprehensive resource presents priority assessments, NANDA-I nursing diagnoses, interventions with rationales, measurable goals/outcomes, evaluation strategies, and pediatric-focused considerations to support best practices in the cerebral palsy nursing care plan.

Cerebral Palsy Nursing Care Plan (NANDA): Diagnoses, Interventions, Goals

Overview of Cerebral Palsy for Nursing Practice

Cerebral palsy describes a group of permanent disorders of movement and posture caused by non-progressive disturbances in the developing fetal or infant brain. Functional limitations can change over time as growth, musculoskeletal adaptations, equipment needs, and comorbidities evolve.

Key facts for care planning:

Types: spastic (most common), dyskinetic (athetoid/dystonic), ataxic, and mixed presentations.

Common challenges: spasticity, contractures, scoliosis, hip dysplasia, impaired balance and coordination, dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux, chronic constipation, drooling, respiratory complications, seizures, pain, sleep disturbances, communication and cognitive impairments, and psychosocial stressors.

Functional classification tools:

• GMFCS (Gross Motor Function Classification System): levels I–V for mobility.
• MACS (Manual Ability Classification System): hand use and fine motor skills.
• CFCS (Communication Function Classification System).
• EDACS (Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System).

Clinical focus: although brain injury is non-progressive, musculoskeletal complications and functional needs can intensify over time. Early recognition, prevention, and coordinated rehabilitation reduce preventable complications and improve quality of life.

Priority Nursing Assessment for Cerebral Palsy

A meticulous assessment underpins a safe and effective cerebral palsy nursing care plan.

Neuromuscular and Mobility

• Tone: spasticity, rigidity, dystonia, athetosis, hypotonia.
• Reflexes and postural reactions; persistence of primitive reflexes.
• Range of motion, joint contractures, scoliosis/kyphosis screening.
• Gait and transfers (if ambulatory); wheelchair positioning and propulsion (if non-ambulatory).
• Functional classification (GMFCS/MACS) and current orthotics/equipment (AFOs, standers, walkers).

Respiratory and Airway

• Breath sounds, cough strength, secretion burden, oxygen saturation trends.
• Signs of aspiration: wet voice after feeds, coughing during feeding, recurrent respiratory infections.
• Ineffective airway clearance risk factors: poor trunk control, weak cough, copious secretions.

Feeding, Swallowing, and Nutrition

• EDACS level, swallow safety, drooling severity, bite/chew coordination.
• Growth trends: weight, height/length, BMI-for-age or alternative measures for children with contractures.
• Feeding route: oral, thickened liquids, texture-modified diets, gastrostomy or jejunostomy feeds.
• Gastrointestinal concerns: reflux, constipation, abdominal distention.

Communication, Cognition, and Learning

• Receptive vs. expressive communication abilities.
• Comprehension, attention, memory, and behavior.
• Access to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices.
• Hearing and vision screening results.

Seizure Risk and Safety

• Seizure type, frequency, aura, postictal phase, triggers.
• Medication regimen and adherence, therapeutic drug levels, side effects.
• Injury risk during transfers, bathing, ambulation, and mobility equipment use.

Skin Integrity and Positioning

• Pressure risk tools appropriate for age (e.g., Braden QD).
• Skin inspection: bony prominences, device pressure points, incontinence-associated dermatitis.
• Seating system fit, cushion condition, shear risks during transfers.

Elimination

• Bowel patterns, stool consistency (Bristol scale), fecal impaction risk.
• Bladder function, continence, catheterization schedule (if applicable).

Pain and Comfort

• Pain scales suitable for developmental level (FLACC, Wong-Baker FACES).
• Spasticity-related discomfort, nighttime muscle cramps, musculoskeletal pain.

Psychosocial and Family Context

• Caregiver capacity, stressors, respite needs, financial and transportation barriers.
• School participation, IEP accommodations, community resources and supports.

NANDA-I Nursing Diagnoses for Cerebral Palsy with Goals, Interventions, and Rationales

The following evidence-informed care plans align with common CP presentations. Adapt based on GMFCS/MACS/EDACS levels, age, comorbid conditions, and setting.

1) Impaired Physical Mobility related to neuromuscular impairment secondary to cerebral palsy

Defining characteristics:

Limited range of motion, spasticity, abnormal postures, unsteady gait, delayed motor milestones, difficulty with transfers and positioning.

Goals/Outcomes (SMART):

• Within 72 hours, maintain optimal alignment with no new redness or pressure injury.
• Within 2 weeks, demonstrate improved functional mobility as evidenced by increased time in supported standing or improved transfer technique.
• Ongoing: prevent progression of contractures; maintain safe, efficient positioning for feeding and communication.

Nursing Interventions with Rationales:

• Perform mobility assessment using GMFCS and document baseline to help establish realistic goals and guides therapy intensity.
• Implement a scheduled positioning program (every 2 hours in bed, seating adjustments every 1–2 hours). It reduces pressure, prevents contractures and atelectasis.
• Support active-assisted range-of-motion twice daily; coordinate with PT goals. It preserves joint mobility and muscle length.
• Use positioning devices (AFOs, knee immobilizers, abduction pillows, wedge supports). It helps improves alignment and prevents deformity.
• Facilitate transfers with gait belts, slide boards, or mechanical lifts, it reduces injury risk and shear.
• Encourage standing program via stander when ordered, it promotes bone density, hip health, bowel motility, and respiratory function.
• Collaborate with PT/OT for tone management and functional training, which promotes interdisciplinary programs improve outcomes.
• Medications per provider order (oral baclofen, tizanidine, diazepam; botulinum toxin injections). It reduces spasticity to improve mobility and hygiene.
• Monitor for orthopedic concerns (hip subluxation, scoliosis). early referral prevents complications.

Evaluation:

• Skin intact; no new redness.
• Documented gains in transfer ability or tolerated standing time.
• Decreased spasticity noted post-interventions when applicable.

2) Risk for Aspiration related to dysphagia and poor oral–pharyngeal coordination

Risk factors:

• Poor head/trunk control, delayed swallow reflex, drooling, reflux, fatigue during feeding.

Goals/Outcomes:

• No coughing/choking during meals; clear lung sounds within target timeframe.
• Stable oxygen saturation during feeding sessions.
• Adequate hydration and nutrition maintained through safest route.

Nursing Interventions with Rationales:

• Complete swallow screening; refer to SLP for instrumental assessment (VFSS/FEES) as needed. it defines safest textures and liquid consistencies.
• Implement aspiration precautions: upright 90° during feeding and 30–45° after; chin-tuck or head-turn as indicated, helps to optimize airway protection.
• Provide texture-modified diets and thickened liquids per SLP plan, it matches swallow capacity to reduce penetration/aspiration.
• Pace feeding with small bites/sips; cue-based pauses for breathing and swallowing, it reduces fatigue and aspiration risk.
• Suction set-up available when secretion burden is high, it helps rapid removal prevents aspiration events.
• Maintain oral hygiene at least twice daily, it reduces oral bacterial load and aspiration pneumonia risk.
• Monitor for signs of reflux; position appropriately after feeds; coordinate antireflux medications if prescribed, it lowers aspiration risk from refluxate.
• For enteral-fed patients, verify tube placement per policy; hold feeds with high residuals or suspected intolerance; elevate head of bed during feeds. It prevents aspiration of formula.
• Educate caregivers in safe feeding techniques and emergency response if choking occurs, helps extending safety beyond clinical settings.

Evaluation:

• Absence of wet voice, cough, or desaturation during/after feeds.
• Weight and hydration trends remain adequate.
• No aspiration pneumonia events over review period.

3) Ineffective Airway Clearance related to weak cough, secretion retention, or poor chest wall mechanics

Goals/Outcomes:

• Breath sounds clear or improved within 24 48 hours.
• Effective cough demonstrated or supported by airway clearance devices.
• No respiratory distress, normal respiratory rate for age.

Nursing Interventions with Rationales:

• Assess respiratory status every shift; track pulse oximetry and work of breathing, for early detection of decline.
• Perform chest physiotherapy or assisted cough techniques as indicated (manual, mechanical insufflation-exsufflation per order), it helps to mobilize secretions.
• Ensure adequate hydration to thin secretions, it helps to facilitate expectoration.
• Nebulized therapies as prescribed (hypertonic saline, bronchodilators), it aids mucociliary clearance.
• Positioning: side-lying, prone on elbows with monitoring, or upright to maximize ventilation. It improves ventilation perfusion matching.
• Teach families to recognize early signs of respiratory compromise, for timely action reduces hospitalizations.

Evaluation:

• Diminished rhonchi; improved aeration.
• Reduced need for suctioning over time.
• Stable oxygen saturation without escalation of support.

4) Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements related to increased energy expenditure, feeding difficulties, or reflux

Defining characteristics:

• Poor weight gain, prolonged feeding times, fatigue during feeding, micronutrient deficiencies.

Goals/Outcomes:

• Achieve individualized growth targets based on CP-specific growth charts or dietitian guidance.
• Reduce meal duration to less than 30 minutes when feasible.
• Maintain adequate hydration and micronutrient intake.

Nursing Interventions with Rationales:

• Obtain detailed dietary history; collaborate with dietitian for caloric density, protein goals, and vitamin/mineral supplementation, it tailors intake to needs.
• Use energy-dense formulas or fortified foods; consider modular supplements, it increases calories without increasing volume.
• Coordinate with SLP for texture and pacing; consider gastrostomy when oral intake is unsafe or insufficient, it ensures safe, adequate nutrition.
• Manage reflux: small frequent meals, upright positioning, medications per order, it reduces vomiting and discomfort.
• Monitor weight, mid-upper arm circumference, and lab markers (prealbumin if ordered), it tracks nutritional response.

Evaluation:

• Consistent upward trend in growth parameters.
• Improved endurance during feeding.
• Fewer reflux episodes reported.

5) Impaired Verbal Communication related to dysarthria, apraxia, or cognitive limitations

Goals/Outcomes:

• Establish reliable communication method (speech, AAC device, communication board).
• Demonstrate effective expression of basic needs and pain using agreed cues.

Nursing Interventions with Rationales:

• Collaborate with SLP to evaluate speech intelligibility and AAC needs, it enables functional communication.
• Provide and maintain AAC device/boards at bedside and during all care, it ensures constant access.
• Use consistent yes/no signals, gestures, or eye-gaze boards. It reduces frustration and improves care accuracy.
• Allow adequate time for responses; reduce environmental noise. It enhances comprehension and expression.
• Educate all staff on the selected communication system. It promotes consistent use.

Evaluation:

• Documented successful communication exchanges for daily needs.
• Decreased frustration behaviors during care.

6) Risk for Injury related to seizures, falls, or equipment transfers

Goals/Outcomes:

• No injury events during hospitalization or review period.
• Environment meets safety standards for seizure and fall precautions.

Nursing Interventions with Rationales:

• Seizure precautions: padded side rails as appropriate, suction and oxygen at bedside, emergency medications available per order. It reduces harm during events.
• Educate caregivers on seizure first aid and when to seek help, it improves community safety.
• Fall prevention: non-slip footwear, supervised transfers, correct use of gait belts and lifts it minimizes fall risk.
• Inspect mobility equipment for fit and function and prevents mechanical failures.
• Develop individualized emergency plan with triggers, rescue med criteria, and follow-up and helps to standardizes rapid response.

Evaluation:

• Zero falls or seizure-related injuries.
• Documented adherence to safety protocols.

7) Chronic Pain related to spasticity, musculoskeletal strain, or orthopedic issues

Goals/Outcomes:

• Pain scores maintained at target level for age/development.
• Improved sleep and daytime participation.

Nursing Interventions with Rationales:

• Use developmentally appropriate pain scales (FLACC, FACES); assess before/after interventions and it uantifies pain for management.
• Non-pharmacologic strategies: heat/cold (as ordered), gentle stretching, splinting, positioning, massage, relaxation, and sleep hygiene. It helps multimodal pain control reduces medication load.
• Pharmacologic management per order: acetaminophen, NSAIDs, antispasmodics, neuropathic agents and it addresses multiple pain pathways.
• Coordinate with PT/OT for tone management and postural support, it reduces mechanical pain drivers.
• Consider referral for botulinum toxin or intrathecal baclofen evaluation when indicated, it targeted tone reduction can relieve pain.

Evaluation:

• Pain targets met consistently.
• Improved rest and functional participation.

8) Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity related to immobility, moisture, and device pressure

Goals/Outcomes:

• Skin remains intact with no pressure injuries.
• Redness resolves within 30 minutes after pressure relief

Nursing Interventions with Rationales:

• Conduct head-to-toe skin assessment each shift; use age-appropriate risk tools, for early detection drives prevention.
• Turn/reposition schedule; microshifts in wheelchair every 15–30 minutes, full relief hourly when feasible and help to restore perfusion.
• Optimize support surfaces , pressure-redistribution mattresses and wheelchair cushions and it reduces interface pressure.
• Moisture management for drooling and incontinence; barrier creams and frequent changes and helps protects skin.
• Offload devices; pad edges of splints and orthoses; check strap tension and  prevents device-related injury.
• Nutrition and hydration optimization and supports tissue integrity.

 Evaluation:

• No new pressure injuries; previously noted redness resolved promptly.

9) Self-Care Deficit (Feeding, Dressing, Bathing, Toileting) related to motor impairment

Goals/Outcomes:

• Maximize independence with adaptive techniques or caregiver assistance to the least restrictive level.
• Safe and efficient completion of ADLs using appropriate aids.

Nursing Interventions with Rationales:

• Occupational therapy referral for adaptive equipment (built-up utensils, long-handled sponges, button hooks) and promotes independence.
• Break tasks into simple steps; use visual schedules or cue cards and enhances learning and routine.
• Train caregivers in safe assistance techniques and energy conservation and reduces injury and fatigue.
• Ensure bathroom safety: grab bars, raised toilet seats, non-slip mats and prevents falls and supports dignity.

Evaluation:

• Document incremental gains in ADL participation.
• Fewer assistance requests for targeted tasks over time.

10) Constipation related to immobility, low fiber/fluid intake, and anticholinergic use

Goals/Outcomes:

• Regular soft stools (Bristol 3–4) without straining.
• No abdominal discomfort or fecal impaction.

Nursing Interventions with Rationales:

• Track bowel patterns; initiate bowel regimen per protocol (osmotic stool softeners, stimulants as ordered) and establishes predictability.
• Encourage fiber-rich options when safe to swallow; collaborate with dietitian and normalizes transit.
• Promote mobility/standing program to stimulate gut motility and it enhances peristalsis.
• Adequate fluid intake within safe swallowing parameters or via enteral route and softens stool.
• Abdominal massage techniques as appropriate and it assists motility.

Evaluation:

• Comfortable, regular bowel movements achieved.
• Decreased reliance on rescue interventions.

11) Caregiver Role Strain related to continuous care demands and limited resources

Goals/Outcomes:

• Caregivers report manageable stress levels and access to respite or support services.
• Care plan sustained at home without missed essential tasks.

Nursing Interventions with Rationales:

• Screen for caregiver stress, depression, and burnout and flags need for support.
• Provide social work referral for respite, transportation, financial assistance, and community resources and strengthens support network.
• Teach time-saving routines, safe transfer methods, and equipment maintenance and improves efficiency and safety.
• Connect with parent/caregiver support groups and condition-specific organizations and it reduces isolation and improves coping.

 Evaluation:

• Improved caregiver coping scores or subjective reports.
• Reduced missed appointments or medication errors.

12) Deficient Knowledge (Condition Management) related to unfamiliarity with CP care requirements

Goals/Outcomes:

• Caregivers demonstrate correct techniques for feeding, positioning, transfers, seizure first aid, and equipment use.
• Consistent adherence to medication and therapy schedules.

Nursing Interventions with Rationales:

• Provide structured teaching with demonstration, teach-back, and written checklists and enhances retention and safety.
• Use plain language and visuals; adapt to preferred language and literacy level and ensures comprehension.
• Coordinate interdisciplinary education with PT/OT/SLP, dietitian, and pharmacy and avoids gaps and contradictions.
• Supply contact pathways for questions and urgent concerns and it supports continuity.

Evaluation:

• Successful teach-back documented for key skills.
• Reduced unplanned care utilization for preventable complications.
• H2: Interdisciplinary Collaboration for Cerebral Palsy

Physical Therapy: tone management, stretching, strengthening, balance, transfers, gait training, stander programs, orthoses coordination.

Occupational Therapy: fine motor skills, sensory strategies, ADLs, adaptive equipment selection, wheelchair seating assessments.

Speech-Language Pathology: swallow safety, feeding plans, saliva management, speech intelligibility, AAC systems.

Dietetics/Nutrition: caloric needs, feeding routes, micronutrient supplementation, reflux-friendly strategies.

Neurology/Physiatry: seizure management, tone-modulating medications, botulinum toxin, intrathecal baclofen consideration.

Orthopedics: hip surveillance, scoliosis, contracture release, guided growth, tendon lengthening as indicated.

Pulmonology/Respiratory Therapy: airway clearance programs, sleep-disordered breathing evaluation, equipment training.

Social Work/Case Management: care coordination, equipment funding, transportation, school services, respite care.

Pediatric and Family-Centered Considerations

• Growth and development: track anthropometrics using CP-sensitive standards; adapt goals to developmental stage.
• Feeding safety: EDACS-guided textures, mealtime positioning, drooling control (anticholinergics or botulinum toxin as ordered), dental care.
• School readiness and participation: IEP accommodations, therapy carryover, safe transportation planning.
• Equipment needs: timely replacement of outgrown orthoses, wheelchair seating re-evaluations, maintenance schedules.
• Sleep: assess for pain, GERD, spasticity, and sleep apnea; implement bedtime routines and comfort positioning.
• Mental health: screen for anxiety and depression; provide child life and counseling referrals.
• Transition of care: prepare adolescents for adult services with a structured transition plan.

Patient and Caregiver Education Essentials

• Safe feeding and aspiration precautions: positioning, pacing, textures, oral hygiene, emergency response for choking.
• Seizure action plan: triggers, protective positioning, timing, rescue medication use per prescription, postictal monitoring.
• Spasticity and contracture prevention: daily stretching routines, proper splint use, tone triggers to avoid.
• Skin protection: turning schedules, cushion maintenance, device padding, moisture management.
• Equipment: correct use of wheelchairs, transfers, lifts, standers, and orthotics; troubleshooting and when to call for service.
• Medication management: dosing schedules, side effects to monitor, strategies to avoid missed doses.
• Community supports: therapy schedules, respite options, transportation assistance, advocacy organizations.

Documentation and Evaluation in the CP Care Plan

• Baseline status: GMFCS/MACS/EDACS levels, comorbidity list, current medications, equipment, and services.
• NANDA diagnoses with ICD-10 codes where applicable for billing alignment.
• SMART goals with clear time frames.
• Interventions with frequency, person responsible, and setting (inpatient, outpatient, school, home).
• Response to care: progress notes, reassessments, incident logs (falls, aspiration events, seizures), and outcome metrics.
• Discharge/readiness criteria and follow-up appointments with clear ownership.

Sample Cerebral Palsy Nursing Care Plan Template

Use this template to build a unit- or clinic-standard CP care plan.

1. Problem: Risk for Aspiration

Assessment cues: coughing with thin liquids, wet voice, recurrent pneumonia, drooling.

Goal: Maintain safe, efficient oral intake without signs of aspiration for the entire admission period.

Interventions:

• 90° upright position for all oral intake; maintain 30–45° elevation for at least 30 minutes after meals.
• Texture-modified solids and thickened liquids as per SLP plan.
• Small bites/sips with pacing; rest breaks as needed.
• Oral hygiene twice daily; suction readiness for heavy secretions.
• Monitor O2 saturation during feeds; hold feeds for persistent cough or desaturation and notify provider.

Evaluation: No coughing/choking during meals; stable SpO2; no new infiltrates on imaging if obtained.

2.Problem: Impaired Physical Mobility

Assessment cues: increased tone, limited ROM, contractures, unsafe transfers.

Goal: Improve transfer safety and tolerance of upright positioning within 1 week.

Interventions:

• Schedule ROM twice daily; collaborate with PT for individualized stretches.
• Reposition in bed every 2 hours and in wheelchair every 1–2 hours.
• Apply orthoses per PT/orthotics schedule; check skin under straps.
• Use transfer aids and document technique that works best.

Evaluation: Improved tolerance of standing or sitting; intact skin; fewer assistance needs for transfers.

3. Problem: Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements

Assessment cues: prolonged mealtimes, fatigue, weight plateau.

Goal: Achieve targeted weight gain of X g/week per dietitian plan.

Interventions:

• Energy-dense meals and supplements; consider gastrostomy feeds when indicated.
• Coordinate mealtime with lowest spasticity and best alertness.
• Manage reflux with positioning and medications as ordered.
• Evaluation: Steady weight gain; decreased mealtime duration; improved energy.

Quality and Safety Pearls

• Hip surveillance: periodic imaging for non-ambulatory children prevents late hip dislocation.
• Saliva management: anticholinergics, botulinum toxin, or surgical options may be considered by specialists for severe drooling.
• Respiratory season readiness: action plans for airway clearance during viral seasons reduce admissions.
• Bone health: weight-bearing programs and vitamin D optimization protect against fractures.
• Vaccination: ensure routine and special-risk immunizations for chronic neurologic conditions per guidelines.

Cultural, Ethical, and Accessibility Considerations

• Communication: provide interpreters and culturally aligned educational materials.
• Decision-making: involve family and, when appropriate, the patient in shared decisions with clear explanation of risks/benefits.
• Accessibility: ensure clinic and home environments allow safe transfers, equipment storage, and adequate space.
• Equity: proactively connect under-resourced families with funding programs to avoid care delays.

Measuring Outcomes in a Cerebral Palsy Nursing Care Plan

Meaningful metrics demonstrate care impact:

• Clinical: reduced aspiration events, stable respiratory status, fewer pressure injuries, improved bowel regularity, pain control within target.
• Functional: improved transfer ability, increased tolerated time in stander or wheelchair without distress, enhanced communication effectiveness.
• Utilization: fewer ED visits for preventable issues, reduced length of stay.
• Experience: caregiver-reported confidence with feeding, transfers, and seizure response; patient-reported comfort and participation.

Frequently Used Tools and Resources

• NANDA-I nursing diagnoses (latest edition) for terminology alignment.
• GMFCS, MACS, CFCS, EDACS for functional classification.
• Braden QD for pediatric pressure injury risk.
• FLACC and FACES pain scales.
• Clinical practice guidelines from AAP, CDC, NINDS, and rehabilitation societies.

Example Daily Care Schedule for Non-Ambulatory Child with CP (Adapt as ordered)

Morning:

• Respiratory hygiene and oral care
• Stretching and ROM with orthoses application
• Breakfast with aspiration precautions and positioning
• Seizure medication administration and safety check

Midday:

• Standers or supported sitting for bone health and lung expansion
• OT/SLP sessions; AAC use during activities
• Lunch with safe feeding strategies
• Skin inspection and repositioning

Afternoon:

• PT session or home exercise program
• Equipment maintenance check (wheelchair, cushions, straps)
• Hydration and bowel regimen as scheduled

Evening:

• Dinner with pacing and texture precautions
• Bathing with safe transfer support
• Bedtime routines; pain/spasticity management and sleep positioning

Overnight:

• Repositioning schedule
• Respiratory monitoring based on risk profile

Discharge Planning and Continuity of Care

• Confirm durable medical equipment: wheelchair, cushions, orthoses, stander, bath and transfer aids.
• Provide written care plan with seizure action plan, feeding protocol, aspiration precautions, bowel regimen, and skin care schedule.
• Arrange follow-up with primary care, neurology/physiatry, PT/OT/SLP, dietitian, orthopedics, and pulmonology if relevant.
• Coordinate school communication for IEP updates and safe transportation planning.
• Ensure contact details for emergency services, equipment vendors, and community resources.

Evidence-Based Considerations and Rationale Summary

• Early dysphagia identification and texture modification reduce aspiration pneumonia risk.
• Tone management combined with positioning decreases pain and improves participation.
• Interdisciplinary programs improve functional outcomes compared with isolated interventions.
• Caregiver education using teach-back reduces readmissions for preventable complications.
• Hip surveillance and proactive orthopedic care protect long-term mobility and comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are priority nursing diagnoses for cerebral palsy?

A: Common priorities include Impaired Physical Mobility, Risk for Aspiration, Ineffective Airway Clearance, Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements, Impaired Verbal Communication, Risk for Injury, Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity, Chronic Pain, Self-Care Deficit, Constipation, and Caregiver Role Strain. Selection depends on functional level, comorbidities, and current setting.

Q2: Is cerebral palsy progressive?

A: The brain injury causing cerebral palsy is non-progressive, but functional needs can change with growth. Without proactive care, secondary complications such as contractures, hip displacement, scoliosis, and nutritional or respiratory issues can progress. Ongoing assessment and prevention are essential.

Q3: What interventions reduce aspiration risk in cerebral palsy?

A: Upright positioning during and after meals, safe textures and thickened liquids as recommended by SLP, paced feeding with small bites/sips, excellent oral hygiene, suction readiness for heavy secretions, reflux management, and swallow evaluations with VFSS/FEES when indicated. Enteral feeding is considered when oral intake is unsafe or inadequate.

Q4: What goals are realistic in a cerebral palsy nursing care plan?

A: Goals focus on safety, function, and participation: maintain clear lungs and oxygenation, prevent pressure injuries, improve comfort and sleep, increase safe time upright or in stander, enhance communication via speech or AAC, achieve growth targets, and reduce preventable ED visits. Goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

Q5: Which therapies help with mobility and communication?

A: Physical therapy addresses tone, posture, balance, and transfers; occupational therapy supports ADLs and adaptive equipment; speech-language pathology manages swallowing, drooling, speech intelligibility, and AAC. Orthotics, botulinum toxin, and intrathecal baclofen may be used for tone management under specialist guidance.

Conclusion

A high-quality cerebral palsy nursing care plan integrates precise assessment, prioritized NANDA diagnoses, clear SMART goals, and practical interventions with rationales. Interdisciplinary teamwork, family-centered education, and vigilant monitoring prevent complications and support safer feeding, better mobility, stronger communication, and improved quality of life. With standardized documentation and consistent evaluation, care teams deliver reliable, compassionate, and effective CP care across settings supporting patients and families through each stage of growth and development.