A nurse is reinforcing teaching to a group of parents about potential causes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Which of the following statements should the nurse reinforce?
“Vaccinations, especially the MMR vaccine, have been proven to be a leading cause of autism in children."
"ASD is primarily caused by poor parenting and a lack of nurturing in early childhood."
“The exact causes of autism spectrum disorder are not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors."
"ASD can be caused by consuming gluten and casein, which are found in wheat and dairy products, respectively.”
The Correct Answer is C
A. "Vaccinations, especially the MMR vaccine, have been proven to be a leading cause of autism in children." This statement is false. Extensive research has shown no link between vaccines, including the MMR vaccine, and autism. The original study suggesting a connection was discredited and retracted due to fraudulent data.
B. "ASD is primarily caused by poor parenting and a lack of nurturing in early childhood." This outdated theory, once known as the "refrigerator mother" hypothesis, has been debunked. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder with biological origins, not a result of parenting style.
C. "The exact causes of autism spectrum disorder are not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors." This is correct. Research suggests that genetic predisposition, along with environmental influences (such as prenatal factors or advanced parental age), plays a role in ASD development. However, no single cause has been identified.
D. "ASD can be caused by consuming gluten and casein, which are found in wheat and dairy products, respectively." There is no scientific evidence that gluten or casein causes autism. While some parents report behavioral improvements on gluten-free or casein-free diets, these diets do not cause or cure autism.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "Anencephaly affects male fetuses more than female fetuses." Anencephaly occurs more frequently in female fetuses than in males. Studies suggest a slightly higher prevalence in female infants, though the exact reason is unclear.
B. "Cancer during pregnancy is a risk factor for anencephaly." There is no known link between cancer during pregnancy and anencephaly. The primary risk factors include folic acid deficiency, maternal diabetes, and exposure to teratogens (e.g., certain medications, high temperatures, or environmental toxins).
C. "These defects occur in the embryonic stage of pregnancy." Anencephaly is a neural tube defect (NTD) that occurs during the embryonic stage, specifically between weeks 3 and 4 of gestation. During this period, the neural tube fails to close properly, leading to incomplete development of the brain and skull.
D. "Most newborns who have anencephaly survive 1 month." Anencephaly is almost always fatal, with most affected newborns dying within hours to days after birth. There is no cure, and long-term survival is extremely rare due to the severe brain malformation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Ask the parents to escort the child's sibling to the family lounge so they are not in the child's room. Removing the sibling from the room does not address their distress or emotional needs. Siblings of hospitalized children may experience fear, anxiety, or feelings of exclusion, and they need support, not isolation.
B. Consult the child life specialist to provide age-appropriate activities and emotional support to the sibling. Child life specialists are trained to help children understand and cope with hospitalization through play, education, and emotional support. They can help the sibling process their emotions in an age-appropriate way.
C. Provide the sibling with coloring pages and crayons to keep them occupied in the child's room. While coloring can be a helpful distraction, it does not address the sibling’s distress or provide the emotional support they may need to understand their sibling’s condition.
D. Offer the sibling a tour of the hospital unit to help them become more familiar with the environment. A tour may help the child feel more comfortable, but it does not directly address their distress or emotions regarding their sibling’s hospitalization.
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