A nurse is caring for a client who has autism spectrum disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A. Constant need to talk about the event. While individuals with PTSD may experience intrusive thoughts or flashbacks related to the traumatic event, a constant need to talk about the event is not universally characteristic. Some individuals with PTSD may avoid discussing the traumatic event altogether due to the distress it causes them, while others may find it helpful to talk about it in therapy or support groups.

B. Increasing feelings of anger. This is the correct choice. Feelings of anger and irritability are common symptoms of PTSD. Individuals may experience heightened levels of anger as a result of feeling violated, powerless, or betrayed by the traumatic event. Anger may be directed toward the perpetrator, oneself, or others, and it can contribute to difficulties in interpersonal relationships and daily functioning.

C. Sleeping 12 hr or more each day. While sleep disturbances are common in PTSD, they typically manifest as insomnia, nightmares, or restless sleep rather than excessive sleep. Individuals with PTSD may struggle to fall asleep, experience frequent awakenings during the night, or have nightmares related to the traumatic event. Excessive sleeping is not typically associated with PTSD.

D. Increasing sense of attachment to others. Individuals with PTSD may experience difficulties in forming or maintaining relationships due to symptoms such as emotional numbing, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, and difficulties in trusting others. While some individuals may seek support from loved ones, an increasing sense of attachment to others is not typically an expected finding in PTSD.

A. Rickets: Rickets is a condition caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate, leading to softening and weakening of the bones. While milk is a good source of vitamin D and calcium, excessive consumption of milk alone may not necessarily lead to rickets unless the child has inadequate exposure to sunlight or a diet lacking in other essential nutrients.

B. Iron deficiency anemia: This is the correct choice. Excessive consumption of milk, particularly if it replaces solid foods in the diet, can lead to iron deficiency anemia in toddlers. Cow's milk is low in iron and can inhibit iron absorption from other foods, leading to iron deficiency over time. Iron deficiency anemia can result in fatigue, weakness, developmental delays, and impaired cognitive function in young children.

C. Obesity: While excessive milk consumption can contribute to excessive calorie intake, leading to weight gain and potentially obesity, the scenario describes a toddler with a poor appetite for solid foods. Therefore, the primary concern in this case is not obesity but rather the risk of nutritional deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency anemia.

D. Diabetes mellitus: Excessive milk consumption alone is not a direct risk factor for diabetes mellitus in toddlers. However, a diet high in refined sugars and excessive calorie intake, including from milk, can contribute to the development of obesity and insulin resistance, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus later in life. However, the primary concern in this scenario is the risk of nutritional deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency anemia, rather than diabetes mellitus.