Wong's Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank - Impact of Cognitive or Sensory Impairment on the Child and Family Related

Review Wong's Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank - Impact of Cognitive or Sensory Impairment on the Child and Family related questions and content

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 hes like a rag doll. He doesnt cuddle up to me like my other babies did. What is the nurses best interpretation of this lack of clinging or molding?

  • A. Sign of detachment and rejection
  • B. Indicative of maternal deprivation
  • C. A physical characteristic of Down syndrome
  • D. Suggestive of autism associated with Down syndrome
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Hypotonicity and hyperextensibility in Down syndrome cause a rag doll-like posture, making holding difficult. This is a physical characteristic, not detachment, maternal deprivation, or autism, which is not typically associated with Down syndrome at this age.