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Caring for Clients With Developmental Disorders

Unit 10 Lesson 2

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Describe the role of the nurse’s aide in the care of clients with developmental disorders

Student Learning Outcomes

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Developmental Disorders

Intellectual disabilities due to impairments in the brain or CNS
Causes

Issues during fetal development or birth
Examples

Cerebral palsy
Autism
Down syndrome

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Impact of Developmental Disorders

Affected Areas

Mobility and coordination
Problem-solving and abstract thinking
Academic learning and practical skills
Social interactions and communication

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Diagnosing Intellectual Disabilities

Intellectual Functioning

Measured by IQ tests

Average score: 100

Diagnosis: IQ below 70-75

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Diagnosing Intellectual Disabilities continued…

Adaptive Behavior

Daily living skills

Dressing
Eating
Hygiene

Communication

Understanding and responding

Social skills

Interaction with peers and adults

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Levels of Intellectual Disabilities

Mild

May be independent in ADLs
Needs help with complex tasks

Example: Managing money

Moderate

Basic academic skills, slow learning progress
Requires supervision for ADLs and social interactions

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Levels of Intellectual Disabilities continued…

Severe

Limited understanding of language and concepts
Needs full-time support and supervision

Profound

Dependent on others for care and safety
Minimal communication
Requires extensive support

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Critical Thinking Question

A nurse's aide is working with a resident who has moderate intellectual disabilities and struggles with understanding written instructions but can follow verbal cues. How should the nurse's aide assist the resident in improving their personal hygiene routine?

A) Provide visual aids alongside verbal cues.

B) Demonstrate the routine and provide verbal cues.

C) Have the resident attempt the routine independently.

D) Use detailed written instructions for each step.

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Caring for Individuals with Down’s Syndrome

Physical Characteristics

Flattened face
Almond-shaped eyes
Short neck

Health Issues

Hearing loss
Heart defects
Thyroid problems

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Caring for Individuals with Down Syndrome continued…

Role of Nursing Aide

Encourage independence in ADLs
Support socialization and community involvement

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Infant With Down Syndrome

School-Aged Child With Down Syndrome

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Critical Thinking Question

What approach should a nurse's aide take to effectively support a resident with Down syndrome in developing independence?

A) Encouraging the resident to complete tasks with minimal supervision.

B) Performing tasks for the resident to ensure accuracy.

C) Allowing the resident to choose when to complete tasks independently.

D) Offering structured guidance and gradual independence.

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Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

Behavioral Range

High variability in intelligence and abilities
Different ways of processing sensory stimuli

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Critical Thinking Question

During an outing, a resident with autism spectrum disorder becomes anxious due to loud noises and crowds. What should the nurse's aide do to support the resident?

A) Guide them to a quieter area to reduce sensory overload.

B) Encourage them to stay and face their fears.

C) Continue with the outing to help them adapt.

D) Reassure them loudly that everything is fine.

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Social Communication in ASD

Challenges

Less attention to social cues
Difficulty with eye contact and verbal communication

Role of Nursing Aide

Facilitate communication through gestures and visual aids

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Repetitive and Restricted Behaviors in ASD

Examples

Stereotypic movements

Hand flapping
Rocking

Compulsive behaviors and strict routines
Potential for self-injury

Skin picking
Head banging

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Critical Thinking Question

A resident with autism spectrum disorder often engages in hand-flapping when excited. What is an appropriate response for the nurse's aide?

A) Redirect the resident to a different activity to manage the behavior.

B) Allow the behavior as it is a form of self-expression.

C) Request the resident to stop the behavior immediately.

D) Encourage verbal expression of excitement instead of hand-flapping.

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Functional Levels of ASD

Level 1

Requires minimal support

Level 2

Requires significant support

Level 3

Requires very substantial support

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Role of the Nurse’s Aide

Support Tasks

Assist with ADLs and personal hygiene
Provide social interaction opportunities
Ensure safety and supervised decision-making

Philosophy

Foster independence and self-esteem
Integrate clients into community life

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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References

Sandquist-Reuter, M. (2023). Nursing Assistant. WisTech Open. https://wtcs.pressbooks.pub/nurseassist/

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