Question 1

Which of the following developmental tests do nurses and others use most often?

Accepted Answer

The Denver Developmental Screening Test II is widely used by nurses and other healthcare professionals to screen for developmental problems in children from birth through 6 years of age. It assesses children in four domains: personal-social, fine motor-adaptive, language, and gross motor skills, making it a versatile and commonly used tool in pediatric settings.

Question 2

The two most prevalent syndromes associated with mental retardation (MR) are Down syndrome and which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Down syndrome and Fragile X syndrome are the two most prevalent syndromes associated with mental retardation. Down syndrome is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, while Fragile X syndrome is caused by a mutation in the FMR1 gene on the X chromosome.

Question 3

Which of the following would the nurse share then answering parents' questions about the cause of mental retardation?

Accepted Answer

Mental retardation, now more commonly referred to as intellectual disability, can have multiple causes, including genetic factors, complications during pregnancy and birth, environmental influences, and health issues during infancy. It's not limited to a single factor, and in many cases, a combination of causes may contribute to the condition.

Question 4

A parent of a newborn who has mental retardation asks the nurse to explain what the pediatrician meant then he said, "The brain of the newborn has anatomic plasticity." Which of the following statements by the nurse would best explain anatomic plasticity?

Accepted Answer

Anatomic plasticity refers to the brain's ability to adapt functionally and structurally to changes, damage, or developmental issues. It means that certain areas of the brain can take over functions from damaged areas or find new pathways to reroute signals, enhancing the potential for rehabilitation and compensation for deficits.

Question 5

Which of the following classifications applies to the majority of children with mental retardation?

Accepted Answer

The majority of children with mental retardation fall into the mild category. This classification includes individuals who are capable of learning practical life skills and achieving an educational level up to the sixth grade, allowing them to live independently or under minimal guidance.

Question 6

Children who have an identified neurological condition causing their mental retardation, have minimal capacity for functioning, require a highly structured setting, have delays in all developmental areas, and display basic emotional responses, are classified in which of the following groups?

Accepted Answer

Children with profound mental retardation often have an identified neurological condition that significantly impacts their cognitive functioning. They typically require a highly structured environment, have extensive delays in all areas of development, and demonstrate basic emotional responses, distinguishing them from those with mild, moderate, or severe mental retardation.

Question 7

Standardized tests are one of several factors used to make the diagnosis of mental retardation. The Stanford-Binet is a standardized test of intelligence quotient. At what measurement on this test (corroborated by other tests as needed) is a child classified as mentally retarded?

Accepted Answer

A score of below 70 on the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale is typically used as a criterion for the diagnosis of intellectual disability (formerly known as mental retardation), in conjunction with assessments of adaptive behaviors and the presence of these characteristics during the developmental period.

Question 8

When a child scores low enough on the Stanford-Binet to be classified as mentally retarded, the test is repeated. A mother, whose child is asked to repeat the test at a later date, asks the nurse why her child has to go through this test a second time. Which of the following is the nurse's best response?

Accepted Answer

A repeat test helps ensure the accuracy of the diagnosis by accounting for variables like mood or sleep that could affect the child's performance on a given day.

Question 9

You are the nurse caring for a newborn infant who has a cleft lip and cleft palate and shows signs of mental retardation. Which of the following actions on your part would best support the parents?

Accepted Answer

Modeling love and acceptance of the infant helps the parents bond with their child and see the infant as precious, which is crucial for emotional support and acceptance.

Question 10

You are the nurse working with parents and their newborns on a postpartum unit there the newborns room with the mother. The parents of one of the babies learns that their newborn has mental retardation. You notice these parents going through the stage of denial and then demonstrating anxiety. You realize that this anxiety:

Accepted Answer

B) serves a purpose in alerting the family that something is amiss and in generating needed energy to deal with the situation. Anxiety in this context can be a normal and useful response, as it can motivate the family to seek information, support, and resources necessary for adjusting to their new situation.

Question 11

Parents of a child who is mentally retarded ask the nurse in the pediatrician's office to help them make a judgment about placement. They ask the nurse what he would do if he were in their place. Which of the following is the nurse's best response?

Accepted Answer

The nurse's best response is to provide comprehensive information about all available options, including placement, day care, special schools, home care, and respite care options. This empowers the parents to make an informed decision based on their child's needs and their family situation.

Question 12

Which of the following factors is known to directly increase the incidence of Down syndrome (DS)?

Accepted Answer

The incidence of Down syndrome is directly increased by the age of the mother, with a higher risk associated with advanced maternal age.

Question 13

You are caring for a neonate who has Down syndrome. Which of the following orders would be most helpful to obtain from the pediatrician if the order has not already been written?

Accepted Answer

An echocardiogram is most helpful for a neonate with Down syndrome because approximately half of these children have congenital heart defects. An echocardiogram can help identify any heart abnormalities present.

Question 14

The nurse assessing a newborn will recognize which of the following signs and symptoms as common features of Down syndrome?

Accepted Answer

The wide space between the big and second toe is a common physical characteristic of Down syndrome. Other options listed do not accurately describe features typically associated with Down syndrome.

Question 15

A definitive diagnosis of Down syndrome is based on:

Accepted Answer

Karyotyping is the definitive method for diagnosing Down syndrome as it directly analyzes the chromosomes to identify the presence of an extra chromosome 21, which is the cause of Down syndrome.

Question 16

The parents ask the nurse to tell them if there is a cure for Down syndrome. The nurse will explain that:

Accepted Answer

Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21. There is no cure or specific medical treatment that can reverse the genetic alteration. Management focuses on supporting the individual's development and health needs.

Question 17

Which of the following areas should the nurse caring for a child with Down syndrome focus on?

Accepted Answer

The nurse should focus on screening for anomalies, teaching parents, and preventing respiratory infections and accidents, as children with Down syndrome are at higher risk for these issues.

Question 18

The nurse, working with parents who are doing long-term planning for the care of their child with Down syndrome, will share with the parents that the life expectancy for a child with Down syndrome is:

Accepted Answer

The life expectancy for a child with Down syndrome has increased significantly over the years due to medical advancements and better care. As of the latest data, individuals with Down syndrome can live into their 50s and even 60s, making option D (50-58 years) the correct answer.

Question 19

The nurse is assessing a child who has autism. Which of the following behaviors would the nurse most likely find in the assessment?

Accepted Answer

Children with autism often exhibit behaviors such as solitary play, repetitive activities, unusual body movements, a strong preference for sameness in their environment, and limited use of language. These characteristics align with choice A, making it the most accurate description of behaviors commonly observed in children with autism.

Question 20

The nurse working with a child who has autism will keep in mind that the typical response of a child with autism who is subjected to mild or moderate pain is best represented by which of the following statements?

Accepted Answer

Children with autism often exhibit atypical responses to pain. They might show impassivity or indifference to mild or moderate pain, but paradoxically, they might react with loud vocalizations or howling to what might seem like minor or insignificant injuries. This reflects the sensory processing differences that are common in individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

Quiz 33: Cognitive Alterations