A nurse is planning care for a school-aged child who has autism spectrum disorder and is nonverbal. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Provide positive reinforcement when the child uses eye contact: Positive reinforcement is an effective strategy for children with autism, especially for improving communication behaviors like eye contact. It encourages social interaction in a non-overwhelming way. B. Administer haloperidol to the child as prescribed: Haloperidol is an antipsychotic used for certain symptoms in ASD, but its use should be carefully monitored. Medication is not the first line for addressing communication challenges in children with ASD. C. Administer tranquilizing medications if the child becomes frustrated: Using tranquilizing medications as a first response is inappropriate. Non-pharmacological approaches, like behavior modification, should be prioritized to manage frustration and other symptoms. D. Instruct the child's guardian on the use of implosion therapy: Implosion therapy, which involves exposing the child to anxiety-provoking situations, is not appropriate for children with ASD. It can increase distress and is not suitable for managing the child's needs.