The nurse is teaching the parents of a 1-month-old girl with Down syndrome how to maintaingood health for the child. Which instruction would the nurse be least likely to include? A. Getting cervical radiographs between 3 and 5 years of ageB. Adhering to the special dietary needs of the childC. Getting an echocardiogram before 3 months of ageD. Monitoring for symptoms of respiratory infection
Answer: BRationale: Children with Down syndrome do not require a special diet unless underlyinggastrointestinal disease is present. However, a balanced, high-fiber diet and regular exercise are important. Getting cervical radiographs between 3 and 5 years of age is the screening method for atlantoaxial instability, which is seen in about 14% of children with Down syndrome. Evaluation by a pediatric cardiologist before 3 months of age, including an echocardiogram, is importantsince children with Down syndrome are at higher risk for heart disease. The child will be more susceptible to infectious diseases.
The nurse would be least likely to include the instruction of getting cervical radiographs between 3 and 5 years of age. Cervical radiographs are usually not necessary for children with Down syndrome unless there is a specific medical indication. However, the other options are important health maintenance measures for children with Down syndrome. Adhering to special dietary needs, such as avoiding gluten and increasing fiber intake, is important for preventing constipation and improving overall health. Getting an echocardiogram before 3 months of age is recommended to screen for congenital heart defects, which are common in children with Down syndrome. Monitoring for symptoms of respiratory infection is also crucial because children with Down syndrome are at a higher risk for respiratory illnesses like pneumonia. Therefore, the nurse would be least likely to include the instruction for cervical radiographs in her teaching for the parents of a 1-month-old girl with Down syndrome.
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