Question

A newborn infant has been diagnosed with Down's syndrome. The parents have been informed that the child will have mental retardation. The parents ask the nurse what they can expect of their child's development. The best response by the nurse would include the information that their child will: A. develop in an undeterminable pattern. B. never develop basic skills due to the mental retardation. C. develop in the same pattern as other children but at a slower rate. D. will follow the same developmental time frame as other children but will stop developing before the other children.

Short answer

The best response by the nurse is C. The child with Down's Syndrome will develop in the same pattern as other children but at a slower rate.

Step-by-step solution

Understand Down's Syndrome

Down's Syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21, is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of all or part of a third copy of chromosome 21. Children with Down's Syndrome typically experience developmental delays and intellectual disabilities of varying degrees.

Discuss the Developmental Pattern

Children with Down's Syndrome tend to follow the same general developmental milestones as other children; however, they do so at a slower pace. They can achieve many of the same basic skills and develop in their unique way, but the rate of development will be slower due to intellectual disabilities associated with the condition.

Educate the Parents

When responding to the parents, it is essential to provide accurate and hopeful information. Emphasize that while their child will face challenges, he or she will still be able to grow and learn, developing basic skills and beyond, albeit at a slower rate compared to children without Down's Syndrome.

Key concepts

Developmental Delays

Developmental delays in children with Down's syndrome manifest in a slower progression of physical, cognitive, social, and emotional milestones compared to typically developing peers. For instance, a baby without Down's syndrome may start to walk around 12 months of age, while a child with Down's syndrome may take until 18 months or longer.

These delays can vary significantly from child to child, and early intervention programs can help reduce the impact of these delays. Such programs typically involve physical therapy to strengthen motor skills, speech therapy to enhance communication abilities, and occupational therapy to improve daily living skills. Parents should be encouraged to engage in these services early to maximize their child's development potential.

It's crucial to reassure parents that while the developmental timeline for children with Down's syndrome is more extended, milestones are still attainable. Their children can learn to walk, talk, and establish relationships; these achievements may simply occur on a different schedule.

Intellectual Disabilities

Intellectual disability is a term used to describe a reduced ability to understand new or complex information, learn new skills (impaired intelligence), and a decreased ability to cope independently (impaired social functioning). In the context of Down's syndrome, intellectual disabilities are common, but the degree can range from mild to moderate.

Education tailored to the child's individual needs is critical. Children with Down's syndrome can often benefit from specialized educational strategies that cater to their learning style. Adaptive educational materials, including visual aids and hands-on activities, can significantly enhance learning experiences.

It's important for parents to have realistic expectations while maintaining a positive outlook on their child’s learning capabilities. With the right support, individuals with Down’s syndrome can attend school, participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society in many meaningful ways.

Genetic Disorders

Down's syndrome is one of the most well-known genetic disorders, occurring due to an extra copy of chromosome 21 (Trisomy 21). Each person typically has 46 chromosomes in each cell, divided into 23 pairs, but a person with Down’s syndrome has 47 chromosomes in their cells.

This extra genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with the syndrome. Some of the common physical features may include a flat facial profile, upward slant to the eyes, short neck, and small stature. Not every child with Down's syndrome will exhibit all these features, and their presence does not determine the level of intellectual disability a child may experience.

While this condition is genetic, most cases of Down's syndrome are not inherited but occur as a random event during the formation of reproductive cells. It’s valuable for parents to understand this as it can alleviate unwarranted feelings of guilt or blame. In caring for a child with this genetic disorder, it’s beneficial to connect with Down's syndrome support groups, genetic counselors, and other families who can share their experiences and expertise.