A 12-year-old with moderate intellectual disability and an intelligent quotient of 45 is hospitalized. What will the nurse recommend as the best recreational activity for this child?

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Activities for children with intellectual disabilities should be based on the child's developmental age with consideration given to size, coordination, physical fitness, maturity, likes and dislikes, and health status. A child with moderate intellectual disability: Has academic skills at about the 2nd grade level and may be able to work in a sheltered workshopPerforms self-care activities with some supervisionParticipates in simple activitiesMay have limited speech capabilities Has academic skills at about the 2nd grade level and may be able to work in a sheltered workshop Performs self-care activities with some supervision Participates in simple activities May have limited speech capabilities Appropriate play activities for this child include simple puzzles, coloring books and crayons, modeling clay, watching cartoons or favorite movies, sticker books, playing with a large ball (eg, inflatable beach ball), simple card and board games, and being read to aloud. (Option A) Most children would like having their favorite stuffed animal while hospitalized, but it is not the best choice for this child. The toy may be comforting but does not offer the child the opportunity to engage in active play. (Option C) A 300-piece jigsaw puzzle would be too challenging and frustrating for a child with moderate intellectual disability. (Option D) Keeping a journal about the hospital stay is a more appropriate activity for a child with a higher level of intellectual development (ie, one who has achieved high school level academic skills). Educational objective: Activities for children with intellectual disabilities should be based on developmental age with consideration given to the child's size, coordination, physical fitness, maturity, likes and dislikes, and health status.

A 12-Year-Old with Moderate Intellectual Disability and an Intelligent Quotient