Question

A school-age child with Down syndrome is brought to the ambulatory care center by the mother. The child has bruising all over the body. To work most effectively with this child, the nurse first addresses which complication associated with Down syndrome?

1. Children with Down syndrome are more likely to develop acute leukemia than the average child.
2. Children with Down syndrome fall down easily as a result of hyperflexibility and muscle weakness.
3. Children with Down syndrome are at risk for physical abuse because of their low intellectual functioning.
4. Children with Down syndrome scratch themselves a lot because of dry, cracked, and frequently fissuring skin.

Answer 1

When addressing a school-age child with Down syndrome and bruising all over the body, the nurse should prioritize investigating the possibility of acute leukemia, a complication associated with the condition.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a school-age child with Down syndrome presents with bruising all over the body, it is crucial to first address a specific complication related to the condition. In this case, the nurse should first consider the increased risk of leukemia. Children with Down syndrome have a higher likelihood of developing acute leukemia than the average child, and this condition could account for the bruising observed.

Down syndrome is a genetic condition characterized by an extra copy of chromosome 21, leading to intellectual disability, muscle weakness, and a predisposition to certain medical conditions, including leukemia. While muscle hypotonia and hyperflexibility in children with Down syndrome may lead to falls that can cause bruising, and while any child is at risk for abuse or might have skin issues, the presentation of widespread bruising warrants an assessment prioritizing the possibility of leukemia due to its serious nature and need for prompt medical intervention.