A nurse is reinforcing teaching about the role of the immune system to a client who has psoriasis. Which of the following explains the immune system dysfunction associated with psoriasis?

A. Complete a screening test for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). By 18 months, most toddlers have said their first word, and a lack of speech development can be an early sign of ASD or other developmental delays. The M-CHAT (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers) is a common screening tool used at this age to assess for autism. Early identification allows for timely interventions.

B. Ask the parent about recent immunizations. While immunization history is important for overall health, there is no connection between vaccines and delayed speech development. This question does not directly address the developmental concern at hand.

C. Educate the parent that toddlers do not typically say their first word until 18-20 months of age. This is incorrect. Most toddlers say their first word around 12 months, and by 18 months, they typically have a vocabulary of several words. A lack of speech at this age warrants further assessment.

D. Ask the parent if the toddler has a history of hospitalizations or surgeries. While medical history is important, hospitalizations or surgeries are not the most common causes of delayed speech. Developmental screening is the most appropriate next step in evaluating speech delays.

A. "Your child will have the final say in all decisions regarding palliative care." While the child's preferences and wishes should be considered, decision-making typically involves collaboration between the child, parents, and healthcare team to ensure the best possible care.

B. "The primary goal of palliative care is to improve your child's quality of life." Palliative care focuses on enhancing comfort, relieving symptoms, and providing emotional, social, and spiritual support for the child and their family, regardless of disease prognosis.

C. "Palliative care only addresses your child's physical and mental needs." Palliative care is holistic, addressing not just physical and mental needs but also emotional, spiritual, and social well-being for both the child and their family.

D. "Palliative care will begin once your child has been given 6 months left to live." Palliative care is not limited to end-of-life care. It can be introduced at any stage of a serious illness, alongside curative treatments, to improve the child's overall well-being.