When assessing a 2-year-old child with suspected autism spectrum disorder, the nurse should be particularly alert for:

B. Children with ASD may show reduced interest in social interactions, have difficulty understanding social cues, and may not engage in typical play with peers or caregivers. They might also exhibit challenges with nonverbal communication, such as making eye contact or using gestures.
A. While hyperactivity and attention deficits can be present in children with ASD, they are not as specific to the diagnosis as impaired social skills.
C. High levels of anxiety when separated from the mother could be seen in many conditions and are not particularly indicative of ASD.

D. A history of disobedience and destructive acts could be seen in many conditions and are not particularly indicative of ASD.

C. Pet therapy has been shown to have positive effects on mood by promoting feelings of happiness, calmness, and relaxation. Interacting with animals can increase the release of feel-good hormones such as oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine, which can improve mood and reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety.
A. There is evidence to suggest that pet therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy, can be beneficial for individuals with depression. Interacting with animals, such as petting a dog or spending time with a therapy animal, has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in some people.
B. Pet therapy primarily focuses on providing emotional support and companionship rather than directly targeting sensory functioning.
D. Pet therapy has been associated with reductions in blood pressure and heart rate. Interacting with animals, such as stroking a dog or cat, has been shown to have calming effects on the body and may help lower blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular reactivity to stress.