The nurse is working with a 14-year-old adolescent with an intellectual disability. The adolescent's mental age is four. In explaining an X-ray to the adolescent, the nurse should explain:
A)To the adolescent in terms appropriate to a teenager.
B)To the parents and have them explain to their child.
C)As little as possible because the child will not understand anyway.
D)Using words that are in the vocabulary of a four-year-old without talking down to the adolescent.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse should explain using words that are in the vocabulary of a four-year-old without talking down to the adolescent. This is the most appropriate way to communicate with an individual with an intellectual disability whose mental age is significantly lower than their chronological age. It is important to avoid using terms that may be confusing or overwhelming for the adolescent.

The Nurse Is Working with a 14-Year-Old Adolescent with an Intellectual