Unit 5 Down's, FAS, ADD/ADHD, Autism

The abuse of which of the following substances during pregnancy is the leading cause of cognitive impairment in the United States? a. Alcohol c. Marijuana b. Tobacco d. Heroin

ANS: A Alcohol abuse during pregnancy is recognized as one of the leading causes of cognitive impairment in the United States.

A nurse is providing a parent information regarding autism. Which statement made by the parent indicates understanding of the teaching? a. "Autism is characterized by periods of remission and exacerbation." b. "The onset of autism usually occurs before 3 years of age." c. "Children with autism have imitation and gesturing skills." d. "Autism can be treated effectively with medication."

ANS: B The onset of autism usually occurs before 3 years of age. Autism does not have periods of remission and exacerbation. Autistic children lack imitative skills. Medications are of limited use in children with autism.

An 8-year-old patient is newly diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is important that the parents be educated to the fact that symptoms will take which form? (Select all that apply). of, inattention, and impulsivity have to be apparent: 1.Low frustration tolerance 2.Poor school performance 3.Impulsive behaviors 4.Easily intimidated 5.Mood swings

1,2,3,5 Individuals with ADHD show an inappropriate degree of inattention, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity. Attention problems and hyperactivity contribute to low frustration tolerance, temper outbursts, labile moods, poor school performance, peer rejection, and low self-esteem. ADHD is not generally characterized by meekness or by being easily intimidated

A 9-year-old patient has been diagnosed with an intellectual development disorder (IDD). Which assessment findings support this diagnosis? Select all that apply 1.Unable to explain the phrase, "Raining cats and dogs" 2.Reads below age level 3.Is capable of providing effective oral self care 4.Enjoy interacting with developmentally similar peers 5.Physically lashes out when frustrated

1,2,5 IDD is characterized by severe deficits in three major areas of functioning: intellectual, social, and managing daily life. These children demonstrate difficulty with self care and with almost any social interactions.

The parents of a cognitively impaired child ask the nurse for guidance with discipline. The nurse's BEST response is: 1."Discipline is ineffective with cognitively impaired children." 2."Discipline is not necessary for cognitively impaired children." 3."Behavior modification is an excellent form of discipline." 4."Physical punishment is the most appropriate form of discipline."

3 Behavior modification with positive reinforcement is effective in children with cognitive impairment. Discipline is essential in assisting the child in developing boundaries. Positive behaviors and desirable actions should be reinforced. Most children with cognitive impairment will not be able to understand the reason for the physical punishment; consequently behavior will not change as a result of the punishment.

What are the foundational concerns regarding the use of restraint and seclusion when providing care to children? 1.Parents may initiate a lawsuit if injury occurs. 2.Staff have conflicted feelings leading to ineffectiveness. 3.Research suggests both are psychologically and physically harmful. 4.Staff tends to be undertrained in use of restraints in children 5.The principle of least restrictive intervention is a primary concern.

3,5 Restraint and seclusion have been shown to be psychologically harmful and may also be physically harmful and result in injury or death. To ensure that the civil and legal rights of individuals are maintained, techniques are selected according to the principle of least restrictive intervention. This principle requires that you use more-restrictive interventions only after attempting less restrictive interventions to manage the behavior that have been unsuccessful. The other options are not correct reasons why restraint and seclusion are controversial in children

Which assessment findings indicate to the nurse a child has Down syndrome (select all that apply)? a. High-arched, narrow palate b. Protruding tongue c. Long, slender fingers d. Transverse palmar crease e. Hypertonic muscle tone

ANS: A, B, D The assessment findings of Down syndrome include high-arched, narrow palate; protruding tongue; and transverse palmar creases. The fingers are stubby and the muscle tone is hypotonic, not hypertonic.

The mother of a 3-year-old boy just diagnosed with autism spectrum is tearful and states, "The doctor said we need to start therapy right away. I just don't understand how helpful it will be—he's only 3 years old!" What response should the nurse provide to the mother's statement? 1."You are right, 3 years old is very young to start therapy, but it will make you feel better to be doing something." 2."Starting him on treatment now gives Taylor a much greater chance for a productive life." 3."If your child starts therapy now, he will be able to stop therapy sooner." 4."If you have questions, its best to ask the doctor."

2 Early intervention for children with autism can greatly enhance their potential for a full, productive life. 3 years old is not too young to start therapy since the sooner therapy is started, the better the outcome. The patient will most likely not be able to stop therapy as interventions will continue indefinitely. Telling the mother to ask her provider abdicates the nurse's responsibility to provide education to patients and families.

The primary goal in caring for the child with cognitive impairment is to: 1.encourage play. 2.promote optimum development 3.help families adjust to future care 4.develop vocational skills

2 Provide parents guidance for the selection of developmentally appropriate activities. A comprehensive approach is desirable to establish acceptable social behavior and feelings of self-worth in the child. This is an ongoing process that changes as the child meets developmental milestones. These skills will be addressed as the child's capabilities are developing.

The nurse is preparing to create a care plan for a client admitted to the mental health unit with a diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder. The nurse should plan to include which component as a priority in the plan of care? 1.The medical diagnosis of the client 2.Individualized goals and objectives 3.Attendance at group therapy sessions 4.Self-care measures to improve hygiene

2 The priority would be to develop individualized goals and objectives in the plan of care. Goals and objectives are a mutual working tool between the client and the nurse. Although the medical diagnosis of the client is considered in planning care, it is not specifically a component of a nursing care plan. Attendance at group therapy sessions and promotion of self-care measures may be components of the plan of care, but these interventions would follow after development of the goals and objectives.

Autism is a complex developmental disorder. Diagnostic criteria for autism include delayed or abnormal functioning in which area(s) before 3 years of age? (Select all that apply.) 1. parallel play 2. social interaction 3. gross motor development 4. inability to maintain eye contact 5. language as used in social communication

2,4,5 Children diagnosed with autism show delayed or abnormal functioning in social interactions. A hallmark characteristic of autism is the child's inability to make and maintain eye contact. A characteristic of autism is the child's delay of language at an early age or the sudden deterioration in extant expressive speech. Parallel play is not an area in which autistic children may show delay. When interacting with other children in other forms of play they display functional limitations. Gross motor development is not an area in which autistic children show delayed or abnormal functioning.

The nurse is creating a plan of care for a newborn diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome. The nurse should include which priority intervention in the plan of care? 1. Allow the newborn to establish own sleep-rest pattern. 2. Maintain the newborn in a brightly lighted area of the nursery. 3. Encourage frequent handling of the newborn by staff and parents. 4. Monitor the newborn's response to feedings and weight gain pattern.

4 Fetal alcohol syndrome, a diagnostic category delineated under fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), is caused by maternal alcohol use during pregnancy. A primary nursing goal for the newborn diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome is to establish nutritional balance after birth. These newborns may exhibit hyperirritability, vomiting, diarrhea, or an uncoordinated sucking and swallowing ability. A quiet environment with minimal stimuli and handling would help establish appropriate sleep-rest cycles in the newborn as well. Options 1, 2, and 3 are inappropriate interventions.

The nurse determines that the client understands the basis of the diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder after making which statement? 1."Inner voices tell me to perform my rituals." 2."My behavior is a conscious attempt to punish myself." 3."I'm demonstrating control when I engage in my rituals." 4."My rituals are ways for me to control unpleasant thoughts or feelings."

4 In obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), the rituals performed by the client are an unconscious response that helps to divert and control the unpleasant thought or feeling and prevent acting on it. This decreases the client's anxiety. OCD is not associated with a need for control or punishment, or with hallucinations.

The diagnosis of cognitive impairment is based on the presence of: 1. intelligence quotient (IQ) of 75 or less. 2. IQ of 70 or less. 3. subaverage intellectual functioning, deficits in adaptive skills, and onset at any age. 4. subaverage intellectual functioning, deficits in adaptive skills, and onset before 18 years of age.

4 Intelligence quotient (IQ) is only one component of the diagnosis of cognitive impairment. IQ is only one component of the diagnosis of cognitive impairment. The onset of the deficit must be before age 18 to meet the diagnosis of cognitive impairment. The diagnosis of cognitive impairment has these components, including an onset before age 18.

A 2-week-old infant with Down syndrome is being seen in the clinic. His mother tells the nurse that he is difficult to hold; that "He is like a rag doll. He does not cuddle up to me like my other babies did." The nurse's best interpretation of this lack of clinging or molding is that it is: 1. a sign of maternal deprivation 2. a sign of detachment and rejection. 3. suggestive of autism associated with Down syndrome 4. the result of the physical characteristics of Down syndrome

4 Mothers may have difficulty forming attachment to their children because of these characteristics of Down syndrome. The nurse should recommend swaddling and wrapping the baby before picking him or her up. Mothers may have difficulty forming attachment to their children because of these characteristics of Down syndrome. The nurse should recommend swaddling and wrapping the baby before picking him or her up. Autism is not associated with Down syndrome. This lack of clinging is a result of the muscle hypotonicity and hyperextensibility of the joints associated with Down syndrome.

The genetic testing of a child with Down syndrome (DS) showed that it was caused by translocation. The parents ask about further genetic testing. The nurse's BEST response for the parents is: 1."No further genetic testing is indicated." 2."The child should be retested to confirm diagnosis of DS." 3."The mother should be tested if she is over age 35." 4."The parents can be tested themselves because the child's condition might be hereditary."

4 The child does not require further genetic testing, but parents and siblings do. Retesting is not necessary because the diagnosis has been validated with chromosome testing. This type of chromosome abnormality occurs in children of parents of all ages. The parents and any siblings should be tested. Down syndrome resulting from a translocation may be inherited. This type of chromosome abnormality presents issues for future pregnancies.

The nurse is developing a plan of care for a client admitted to the mental health unit with a diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder. What is the nurse's priority in the plan of care? 1.Monitor for repetitive behavior. 2.Demand active participation in care. 3.Educate the client about self-care needs. 4.Establish a trusting nurse-client relationship.

4 The priority is to establish a trusting relationship with the client. Demanding anything from the client should never occur. The remaining options are appropriate components of the plan of care but are not the priority. A trusting nurse-client relationship needs to be established first.

A child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. The nurse should plan which priority intervention when caring for the child? a. Maintain a structured routine and keep stimulation to a minimum. b. Place the child in a room with a roommate of the same age. c. Maintain frequent touch and eye contact with the child. d. Take the child frequently to the playroom to play with other children.

ANS: A Providing a structured routine for the child to follow is key in the management of ASD. Decreasing stimulation by using a private room, avoiding extraneous auditory and visual distractions, and encouraging the parents to bring in possessions the child is attached to may lessen the disruptiveness of hospitalization. Because physical contact often upsets these children, minimum holding and eye contact may be necessary to avoid behavioral outbursts. Children with ASD need to be introduced slowly to new situations, with visits with staff caregivers kept short whenever possible. The playroom would be too overwhelming with new people and situations and should not be a priority of care.

The major consideration when selecting toys for a child who is cognitively impaired is: a. Safety. c. Ability to provide exercise. b. Age appropriateness. d. Ability to teach useful skills.

ANS: A Safety is the primary concern in selecting recreational and exercise activities for all children. This is especially true for children who are cognitively impaired. Age appropriateness, the ability to provide exercise, and the ability to teach useful skills are all factors to consider in the selection of toys, but safety is of paramount importance

Parents have learned that their 6-year-old child has autism. The nurse may help the parents to cope by explaining that the child may: a. Have an extremely developed skill in a particular area. b. Outgrow the condition by early adulthood. c. Have average social skills. d. Have age-appropriate language skills.

ANS: A Some children with autism have an extremely developed skill in a particular area, such as mathematics or music. No evidence supports that autism is outgrown. Autistic children have abnormal ways of relating to people (social skills). Speech and language skills are usually delayed in autistic children

When should children with cognitive impairment be referred for stimulation and educational programs? a. As young as possible b. As soon as they have the ability to communicate in some way c. At age 3 years, when schools are required to provide services d. At age 5 or 6 years, when schools are required to provide services

ANS: A The child's education should begin as soon as possible. Considerable evidence exists that early intervention programs for children with disabilities are valuable for cognitively impaired children. The early intervention may facilitate the child's development of communication skills. States are encouraged to provide early intervention programs from birth under Public Law 101-476, the Individuals with Disabilities Act.

A pregnant woman presents in labor at term, having had no prenatal care. After birth her infant is noted to be small for gestational age with small eyes and a thin upper lip. The infant also is microcephalic. On the basis of her infant's physical findings, this woman should be questioned about her use of which substance during pregnancy? a. Alcohol c. Heroin b. Cocaine d. Marijuana

ANS: A The description of the infant suggests fetal alcohol syndrome, which is consistent with maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Fetal brain, kidney, and urogenital system malformations have been associated with maternal cocaine ingestions. Heroin use in pregnancy frequently results in intrauterine growth restriction. The infant may have a shrill cry and sleep cycle disturbances and present with poor feeding, tachypnea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypothermia or hyperthermia, and sweating. Studies have found a higher incidence of meconium staining in infants born of mothers who used marijuana during pregnancy

Autism is a complex developmental disorder. The diagnostic criteria for autism include delayed or abnormal functioning in which area(s) with onset before age 3 years (select all that apply)? a. Language as used in social communication b. Gross motor development c. Growth below the 5th percentile for height and weight d. Symbolic or imaginative play e. Social interaction

ANS: A, D, E Language as used in social communication, symbolic or imaginative play, and social interaction are three of the areas in which autistic children may show delayed or abnormal functioning. Gross motor development and growth below the 5th percentile for height and weight are not areas in which autistic children may show delayed or abnormal functioning.

To provide optimal care of infants born to mothers who are substance abusers, nurses should be aware that: a. Infants born to addicted mothers are also addicted. b. Mothers who abuse one substance likely will use or abuse another, thus compounding the infant's difficulties. c. The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS) is designed to assess the damage the mother has done to herself. d. No laboratory procedures are available that can identify the intrauterine drug exposure of the infant.

ANS: B Multiple substance use (even just alcohol and tobacco) makes it difficult to assess the problems of the exposed infant, particularly with regard to withdrawal manifestations. Infants of substance-abusing mothers may have some of the physiologic signs but are not addicted in the behavioral sense. "Drug-exposed newborn" is a more accurate description than "addict." The NNNS is designed to assess the neurologic, behavioral, and stress/abstinence function of the neonate. Newborn urine, hair, or meconium sampling may be used to identify an infant's intrauterine drug exposure.

Appropriate interventions to facilitate socialization of the cognitively impaired child include to: a. Provide age-appropriate toys and play activities. b. Provide peer experiences such as Special Olympics when older. c. Avoid exposure to strangers who may not understand cognitive development. d. Emphasize mastery of physical skills because they are delayed more often than verbal skills.

ANS: B The acquisition of social skills is a complex task. Children of all ages need peer relationships. Parents should enroll the child in preschool. When older, the child should have peer experiences similar to other children, such as group outings, Boy or Girl Scouts, and Special Olympics. Providing age-appropriate toys and play activities is important, but peer interactions will facilitate social development. Parents should expose the child to strangers so the child can practice social skills. Verbal skills are delayed more than physical skills.

A newborn assessment shows separated sagittal suture, oblique palpebral fissures, depressed nasal bridge, protruding tongue, and transverse palmar creases. These findings are most suggestive of: a. Microcephaly. c. Cerebral palsy. b. Down syndrome. d. Fragile X syndrome.

ANS: B These are characteristics associated with Down syndrome. The infant with microcephaly has a small head. Cerebral palsy is a diagnosis not usually made at birth. No characteristic physical signs are present. The infant with fragile X syndrome has increased head circumference; long, wide, and/or protruding ears; long, narrow face with prominent jaw; hypotonia; and high, arched palate

The nurse is discussing sexuality with the parents of an adolescent girl with moderate cognitive impairment. Which should the nurse consider when dealing with this issue? a. Sterilization is recommended for any adolescent with cognitive impairment. b. Sexual drive and interest are limited in individuals with cognitive impairment. c. Individuals with cognitive impairment need a well-defined, concrete code of sexual conduct. d. Sexual intercourse rarely occurs unless the individual with cognitive impairment is sexually abused.

ANS: C Adolescents with moderate cognitive impairment may be easily persuaded and lack judgment. A well-defined, concrete code of conduct with specific instructions for handling certain situations should be laid out for the adolescent. Permanent contraception by sterilization presents moral and ethical issues and may have psychologic effects on the adolescent. It may be prohibited in some states. The adolescent needs to have practical sexual information regarding physical development and contraception. Cognitively impaired individuals may desire to marry and have families. The adolescent needs to be protected from individuals who may make intimate advances.

A kindergartener is disruptive in class. This child is unable to sit for expected lengths of time, inattentive to the teacher, screams while the teacher is talking, and is aggressive toward other children. The nurse plans interventions designed to: a. promote integration of self-concept. b. provide inpatient treatment for the child. c. reduce loneliness and increase self-esteem. d. improve language and communication skills.

ANS: C Because of their disruptive behaviors, children with ADHD often receive negative feedback from parents, teachers, and peers, leading to self-esteem disturbance. These behaviors also cause peers to avoid the child with ADHD, leaving the child with ADHD vulnerable to loneliness. The child does not need inpatient treatment at this time. The incorrect options might or might not be relevant.

A nurse will prepare teaching materials for the parents of a child newly diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Which medication will the information focus on? a. Paroxetine (Paxil) c. Methyphenidate (Ritalin) b. Imipramine (Tofranil) d. Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

ANS: C CNS stimulants are the drugs of choice for treating children with ADHD: Ritalin and dexedrine are commonly used. None of the other drugs are psychostimulants used to treat ADHD.

A nurse is preparing to perform a dressing change on a 6-year-old child with mild cognitive impairment (CI) who sustained a minor burn. Which strategy should the nurse use to prepare the child for this procedure? a. Verbally explain what will be done. b. Have the child watch a video on dressing changes. c. Demonstrate a dressing change on a doll. d. Explain the importance of keeping the burn area clean.

ANS: C Children with CI have a marked deficit in their ability to discriminate between two or more stimuli because of difficulty in recognizing the relevance of specific cues. However, these children can learn to discriminate if the cues are presented in an exaggerated, concrete form and if all extraneous stimuli are eliminated. Therefore, demonstration is preferable to verbal explanation, and learning should be directed toward mastering a skill rather than understanding the scientific principles underlying a procedure. Watching a video would require the use of both visual and auditory stimulation and might produce overload in the child with mild CI. Explaining the importance of keeping the burn area clean would be too abstract for the child.

The child with Down syndrome should be evaluated for what characteristic before participating in some sports? a. Hyperflexibility c. Atlantoaxial instability b. Cutis marmorata d. Speckling of iris (Brushfield's spots)

ANS: C Children with Down syndrome are at risk for atlantoaxial instability. Before participating in sports that put stress on the head and neck, a radiologic examination should be done. Although hyperflexibility, cutis marmorata, and Brushfield's spots are characteristics of Down syndrome, they do not affect the child's ability to participate in sports.

What should the nurse keep in mind when planning to communicate with a child who has autism? a. The child has normal verbal communication. b. The child is expected to use sign language. c. The child may exhibit monotone speech and echolalia. d. The child is not listening if she is not looking at the nurse.

ANS: C Children with autism have abnormalities in the production of speech, such as a monotone voice or echolalia, or inappropriate volume, pitch, rate, rhythm, or intonation. The child has impaired verbal communication and abnormalities in the production of speech. Some autistic children may use sign language, but it is not assumed. Children with autism often are reluctant to initiate direct eye contact.

When caring for a newborn with Down syndrome, the nurse should be aware that the most common congenital anomaly associated with Down syndrome is: a. Hypospadias. c. Congenital heart disease. b. Pyloric stenosis. d. Congenital hip dysplasia.

ANS: C Congenital heart malformations, primarily septal defects, are very common congenital anomalies in Down syndrome. Hypospadias, pyloric stenosis, and congenital hip dysplasia are not frequent congenital anomalies associated with Down syndrome.

Which behavior indicates that the treatment plan for a child diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder was effective? The child: a. plays with one toy for 30 minutes. b. repeats words spoken by a parent. c. holds the parent's hand while walking. d. spins around and claps hands while walking.

ANS: C Holding the hand of another person suggests relatedness. Usually, a child with an autism spectrum disorder would resist holding someone's hand and stand or walk alone, perhaps flapping arms or moving in a stereotyped pattern. The incorrect options reflect behaviors that are consistent with autism spectrum disorders.

A child diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) shows hyperactivity, aggression, and impaired play. The health care provider prescribed amphetamine salts (Adderall). The nurse should monitor for which desired behavior? a. Increased expressiveness in communication with others b. Abilities to identify anxiety and implement self-control strategies c. Improved abilities to participate in cooperative play with other children d. Tolerates social interactions for short periods without disruption or frustration

ANS: C The goal is improvement in the child's hyperactivity, aggression, and play. The remaining options are more relevant for a child with intellectual development disorder or an anxiety disorder

A plan of care for an infant experiencing symptoms of drug withdrawal should include: a. Administering chloral hydrate for sedation. b. Feeding every 4 to 6 hours to allow extra rest. c. Swaddling the infant snugly and holding the baby tightly. d. Playing soft music during feeding.

ANS: C The infant should be wrapped snugly to reduce self-stimulation behaviors and protect the skin from abrasions. Phenobarbital or diazepam may be administered to decrease central nervous system (CNS) irritability. The infant should be fed in small, frequent amounts and burped well to diminish aspiration and maintain hydration. The infant should not be stimulated (such as with music) because this will increase activity and potentially increase CNS irritability.

What is the nurse's priority focused assessment for side effects in a child taking methylphenidate (Ritalin) for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? a. Dystonia, akinesia, and extrapyramidal symptoms b. Bradycardia and hypotensive episodes c. Sleep disturbances and weight loss d. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

ANS: C The most common side effects are gastrointestinal disturbances, reduced appetite, weight loss, urinary retention, dizziness, fatigue, and insomnia. Weight loss has the potential to interfere with the child's growth and development. The distracters relate to side effects of conventional antipsychotic medications.

Assessment data for a 7-year-old reveals an inability to take turns, blurting out answers to questions before a question is complete, and frequently interrupting others' conversations. How should the nurse document these behaviors? a. Disobedience c. Impulsivity b. Hyperactivity d. Anxiety

ANS: C These behaviors are most directly related to impulsivity. Hyperactive behaviors are more physical in nature, such as running, pushing, and the inability to sit. Inattention is demonstrated by failure to listen. Defiance is demonstrated by willfully doing what an authority figure has said not to do.

A nurse prepares the plan of care for a 15-year-old diagnosed with moderate intellectual developmental disorder. What are the highest outcomes that are realistic for this patient? Within 5 years, the patient will: (select all that apply) a. graduate from high school. b. live independently in an apartment. c. independently perform own personal hygiene. d. obtain employment in a local sheltered workshop. e. correctly use public buses to travel in the community.

ANS: C, D, E Individuals with moderate intellectual developmental disorder progress academically to about the second grade. These people can learn to travel in familiar areas and perform unskilled or semiskilled work. With supervision, the person can function in the community, but independent living is not likely.

A nurse assesses a 3-year-old diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Which finding is most associated with the child's disorder? The child: a. has occasional toileting accidents. b. is unable to read children's books. c. cries when separated from a parent. d. continuously rocks in place for 30 minutes.

ANS: D Autism spectrum disorder involves distortions in development of social skills and language that include perception, motor movement, attention, and reality testing. Body rocking for extended periods suggests autism spectrum disorder. The distracters are expected findings for a 3-year-old.

A child diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder had this nursing diagnosis: impaired social interaction related to excessive neuronal activity as evidenced by aggression and demanding behavior with others. Which finding indicates the plan of care was effective? The child: a. has an improved ability to identify anxiety and use self-control strategies. b. has increased expressiveness in communication with others. c. shows increased responsiveness to authority figures. d. engages in cooperative play with other children.

ANS: D The goal should be directly related to the defining characteristics of the nursing diagnosis, in this case, improvement in the child's aggressiveness and play. The distracters are more relevant for a child with autism spectrum or anxiety disorder