Parents of a child with Down syndrome ask the nurse about ...

[V@ndy87]

Parents of a child with Down syndrome ask the nurse about techniques for introducing solid food to their 8-month-old child's diet. The nurse should give the parents which priority instruction?
 
  a. It is too early to add solids; the parents should wait for 2 to 3 months.
  b. A small but long, straight-handled spoon should be used to push the food toward the back and side of the mouth.
  c. If the child thrusts the food out, the feeding should be stopped.
  d. Solids should be offered only three times a day.

Question 2

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

[zhanghao]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Down syndrome children have a protruding tongue which can interfere with feeding, especially of solid foods. Parents need to know that the tongue thrust is not an indication of refusal to feed but a physiologic response. Parents are advised to use a small but long, straight-handled spoon to push the food toward the back and side of the mouth. If food is thrust out, it should be re-fed. Six months is the time to introduce solid foods to a child, so waiting 2 to 3 months is inappropriate. Small frequent feedings should be initiated to prevent the child from tiring. Three times a day is too infrequent.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A, E, F
These are three of the areas in which autistic children may show delayed or abnormal functioning: language as used in social communication, symbolic or imaginative play, and social interaction. Parallel play is typical play of toddlers and is usually not affected. Gross motor development and growth below the 5th percentile for height and weight are usually not characteristic of autism.

[V@ndy87]

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