A nurse is caring for a client who has autism spectrum disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Rationale:

A) Congenital anomalies: Congenital anomalies, also known as birth defects, are structural or functional abnormalities present at birth. They can affect any part of the body and may cause physical or developmental disabilities, as well as contribute to infant mortality. These anomalies can result from genetic factors, environmental exposures during pregnancy, or a combination of both. Preventive measures such as prenatal care, genetic counseling, and maternal health promotion play crucial roles in reducing the incidence and impact of congenital anomalies.

B) Respiratory distress: While respiratory distress can be a significant concern in newborns, especially those born prematurely or with certain medical conditions, it is not the leading cause of death among infants. Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) occurs primarily in premature infants due to immature lung development and surfactant deficiency, requiring supportive care and sometimes mechanical ventilation to manage.

C) Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS): SIDS is the sudden and unexplained death of an otherwise healthy infant, typically occurring during sleep. While SIDS is a devastating tragedy and a major public health concern, it is not the leading cause of death among infants. Strategies to reduce the risk of SIDS include placing infants on their backs to sleep, avoiding soft bedding and overheating, and promoting a safe sleep environment.

D) Low birth weight: Low birth weight, defined as a birth weight of less than 2,500 grams (5.5 pounds), is associated with an increased risk of neonatal complications and long-term health issues. While low birth weight infants may face various health challenges, including respiratory problems and developmental delays, low birth weight itself is not the leading cause of death among infants. Efforts to reduce low birth weight include prenatal care, nutrition support, and management of maternal risk factors such as smoking and substance abuse.

A. Expressive affect: Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have difficulty expressing their emotions in a typical manner. They may display a restricted range of facial expressions or have difficulty conveying emotions through facial expressions and gestures. However, "expressive affect" typically refers to the appropriate display of emotions, which may not be characteristic of ASD.

B. Ambivalence: Ambivalence refers to conflicting feelings or attitudes about a situation or person. While individuals with ASD may experience a range of emotions, including ambivalence, it is not a specific characteristic associated with the disorder. Ambivalence is a common human experience and may occur in individuals with or without ASD.

C. Echolalia: Echolalia is a common communication characteristic observed in individuals with ASD. It involves the repetition or echoing of words or phrases spoken by others. This behavior may occur immediately after hearing the words or phrases (immediate echolalia) or may be delayed. Echolalia can serve various functions, including communication, self-regulation, or expression of anxiety.

D. Associative looseness: Associative looseness is a thought disorder characterized by a lack of logical connection between thoughts and ideas. It is typically associated with conditions such as schizophrenia rather than ASD. Individuals with ASD may exhibit difficulties with social communication, including challenges in maintaining conversations or understanding social cues, but this is different from the disorganized thinking observed in associative looseness.