A 10-year-old boy displays deficits in intellectual functions that involve his ability to reason, solve problems, and learn from instruction or experience. He has been slow to develop skills in school and is behind his peers in reading, writing, and mathematical abilities. As a result, he has significant impairments in his ability to develop socially appropriate interpersonal communication skills and has developed no real friendships. He is dependent on others for assistance with his basic needs, such as dressing and feeding. Which of the following diagnoses most accurately represents this presentation?
Autism spectrum disorder
Global developmental delay
Intellectual disability
Childhood-onset neurocognitive disorder
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Autism spectrum disorder primarily involves deficits in social communication and restricted/repetitive behaviors. While some overlap exists, the primary issue here is broad cognitive impairment affecting adaptive functioning, which is more consistent with intellectual disability.
Choice B reason: Global developmental delay applies to children under age 5 with delays in multiple developmental domains. At age 10, this diagnosis is no longer appropriate; intellectual disability is diagnosed instead.
Choice C reason: This choice is correct because intellectual disability is defined by deficits in intellectual functioning (reasoning, problem-solving, learning) and adaptive functioning (communication, social participation, daily living skills). The description matches both criteria.
Choice D reason: Childhood-onset neurocognitive disorder is generally reserved for disorders like early-onset dementia or acquired cognitive impairments, not congenital or developmental intellectual deficits.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: The hippocampus is central to the formation and retrieval of long-term memories. Impairment in this region leads to significant anterograde and retrograde memory deficits seen in dementia.
Choice B reason: The hypothalamus regulates homeostasis and autonomic functions but does not play a primary role in memory recall.
Choice C reason: The thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory and motor signals and contributes to attention and consciousness but is not the main center for episodic memory retrieval.
Choice D reason: The amygdala is involved in emotion, fear responses, and emotional memory processing, not the recall of specific episodic memories.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Ischemic stroke may present with focal neurological deficits, but the combination of unequal pupils, inability to sit up, and high blood pressure suggests a more global intracranial process rather than a localized ischemic event.
Choice B reason: This choice is correct because the patient’s altered mental status, unequal and sluggish pupils, postural instability, and elevated blood pressure are classic signs of increased intracranial pressure. These findings suggest a critical neurological emergency.
Choice C reason: Myocardial infarction typically presents with chest pain, shortness of breath, and cardiovascular symptoms rather than altered mental status and pupil abnormalities.
Choice D reason: Cerebral aneurysm rupture can cause acute neurological decline, but unequal pupils and gradually increasing blood pressure are more consistent with generalized intracranial pressure rather than the sudden presentation of a subarachnoid hemorrhage.
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