The nurse is caring for a 3-year-old boy whose parents are ...

[khang]

The nurse is caring for a 3-year-old boy whose parents are concerned that he is exhibiting signs of cognitive delays. Which of the following statements by the parents would indicate autism spectrum disorder rather than mental retardation?
 
  A) He is not speaking in complete sentences.
  B) We can understand a lot of what he says, but no one else can.
  C) He seems to be speaking less and less.
  D) He can't sit still for a short story.

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a 10-year-old girl who has required multiple venipunctures and a CT scan in a single day. The girl has expressed no fear or need for comfort. How should the nurse respond?
 
  A) Tell me about your day today.
  B) Are you doing okay?
  C) Are you feeling okay?
  D) You have done really well today.

[nyrave]

Answer to Question 1

C
Response:
Regression or the loss of previously acquired skills points to autism rather than mental retardation. The other statements are indicative of mental retardation.

Answer to Question 2

A
Response:
The nurse should ask an open-ended question to start a conversation so that the girl has the opportunity to express her feelings and be comforted. School-age children and adolescents may not demonstrate behavior indicating the need for comforting. It is important to praise the girl for her appropriate behavior, but the nurse should first give the girl an opportunity to express her feelings so the nurse can address her concerns. Asking the girl whether she is feeling okay or doing okay is likely to elicit a positive response no matter how she is feeling.

[khang]

Correct answers!

[nyrave]

Great! Please up vote