A nurse is discussing contraceptives with an adolescent who has disabilities. The adolescent has difficulty with motor movements and decreased memory. Which of the following birth control methods would be most appropriate for this child?

A. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt. This stage (ages 1–3 years) is when toddlers begin to assert independence by making simple choices and attempting self-care. However, they lack the cognitive ability and motor skills to manage a suprapubic catheter independently.

B. Trust vs. Mistrust. This stage (birth to 1 year) focuses on developing trust in caregivers. Infants are entirely dependent on others for care and are not developmentally capable of learning catheter care.

C. Initiative vs. Guilt. This stage (ages 3–6 years) involves children exploring their environment and developing a sense of initiative. While they may be curious, they are not developmentally ready to take responsibility for complex self-care tasks like catheter maintenance.

D. Industry vs. Inferiority. This stage (ages 6–12 years) is when children develop a sense of competence and responsibility. They are eager to learn new skills, follow instructions, and take part in their own care, making this the appropriate stage for teaching suprapubic catheter care.

A. "Cognitive abilities in children with Down syndrome cannot be improved, so focusing on physical health is the only priority." While children with Down syndrome do experience cognitive impairments, early intervention programs such as speech, occupational, and physical therapy can enhance cognitive, motor, and social development, improving their overall functioning.

B. "Infants who have Down syndrome typically have significantly higher IQ scores compared to typically developing infants." Children with Down syndrome generally have mild to moderate intellectual disability, and their IQ scores tend to be lower than typically developing peers, not higher.

C. "Early intervention programs can mitigate cognitive impairments in infants who have Down syndrome." This is correct. Early stimulation, structured learning environments, and specialized therapies can help optimize the child's cognitive potential and improve adaptive skills.

D. "Cognitive abilities of infants who have Down syndrome are typically within the average range during the first year of life." Although some developmental milestones may appear similar in early infancy, delays in cognitive and motor development often become noticeable within the first year, distinguishing children with Down syndrome from their typically developing peers.