Final answer:
The most appropriate nursing intervention for a preschool child with autism spectrum disorder engaging in head-banging behavior is to prevent injury by holding the child's head steady and applying a helmet, not restraints or immediate sedation. This intervention should be part of a comprehensive behavioral plan that includes assessing the underlying cause and potential distraction techniques.
Step-by-step explanation:
In regards to the question about an appropriate nursing intervention for a preschool child with autism spectrum disorder who is engaging in constant head-banging behavior, it's important to focus on interventions that prioritize safety and are minimally restrictive. Restraints should be a last resort in any clinical setting and are not appropriate as a first-line intervention for aggression in children with autism. Sedating the client with neuroleptic medications might be medically indicated in some cases, but this decision should be made by a physician and not be the initial approach to a behavioral issue. The correct intervention would be to hold the client's head steady and apply a helmet to prevent injury, while assessing the underlying cause of the behavior and implementing a behavioral plan which may include distraction with games and puzzles to reduce the frequency and intensity of the head-banging. However, any intervention should be part of a comprehensive approach that includes understanding the individual's sensory needs, environmental triggers, and communication strategies.