A nurse is discussing pertussis with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?

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.

A. "The life expectancy for an individual who has this disorder is 25 years of age." Advances in treatment, including improved respiratory therapies and medications like CFTR modulators, have significantly increased life expectancy. Many individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) now live into their 40s or beyond, depending on disease severity and access to medical care.

B. "This disorder is most common in individuals of Northern European descent." CF is most prevalent in individuals of Northern European ancestry, affecting about 1 in 2,500 to 3,500 newborns in this population. It is much less common in individuals of African, Asian, or Hispanic descent.

C. "Heart failure will occur at some point during the progression of CF." CF primarily affects the lungs and digestive system due to thick mucus production, but heart failure is not a direct consequence of the disease. However, cor pulmonale (right-sided heart failure) can develop secondary to chronic lung disease and pulmonary hypertension in severe cases.

D. "This disorder occurs when the mother has a mutation of the 7th chromosome." CF is an autosomal recessive disorder, meaning a child must inherit mutated CFTR genes from both parents (not just the mother). The mutation affects the CFTR gene located on chromosome 7, leading to defective chloride transport and thick mucus production.