Which should the nurse keep in mind when planning to communicate ...

[dmcintosh]

Which should the nurse keep in mind when planning to communicate with a child who is autistic?
 
  a. The child has normal verbal communication.
  b. Expect the child 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.

Question 2

A child begins to squirm and giggle when the nurse begins to palpate the abdomen. What is the best approach for the nurse to use with a child who is ticklish?
 
  a. Skip the abdominal palpation.
  b. Touch the abdomen firmly as the child takes short, quick breaths.
  c. Press the abdomen with the child bearing down and holding the breath.
  d. Palpate with the child's hand under the ex-aminer's hand.

[bpool94]

Answer to Question 1

C
Children with autism have abnormalities in the production of speech such as a monotone voice or echolalia and 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.

Answer to Question 2

D
Placing the child's hand on the abdomen and the examiner's hand on top of the child's hand with fingers touching the abdomen gives the child some control and reduces the sensation of tickling. Abdominal palpation should not be eliminated from the physical assessment. To help the child relax, the nurse would ask the child to take deep breaths. Bearing down and holding the breath would tighten the abdominal muscles.