A nurse is providing teaching to the guardian of an infant diagnosed with cerebral palsy about possible causes. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in their teaching? (Select all that apply)

Choice A reason: Genetic disorders affecting muscles, like muscular dystrophy, are distinct from cerebral palsy, which results from brain injury. Cerebral palsy is caused by perinatal brain damage, not inherited muscle disorders, making this statement incorrect as a primary cause of the condition. Choice B reason: Lack of oxygen to the fetus, or perinatal hypoxia, damages developing brain tissue, causing cerebral palsy. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy disrupts motor control areas, leading to movement and posture impairments, a well-established cause of this neurological condition in infants. Choice C reason: Poor diet during pregnancy is not a direct cause of cerebral palsy. While malnutrition may affect fetal development, cerebral palsy is primarily linked to brain injury from hypoxia, trauma, or infection, not dietary deficiencies, making this statement inaccurate. Choice D reason: Birth trauma, such as prolonged labor or forceps use, can cause brain injury leading to cerebral palsy. Physical trauma disrupts motor control regions, resulting in permanent neurological deficits, making this a significant risk factor for the condition in newborns. Choice E reason: Premature babies are at higher risk for cerebral palsy due to underdeveloped brains vulnerable to hypoxia, hemorrhage, or infection. Preterm birth increases the likelihood of periventricular leukomalacia, damaging motor pathways, a key contributor to cerebral palsy’s neurological impairments.