The nurse is caring for a child recently diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The parents of the child ask the nurse about the disorder. The nurse bases the response to the parents on the understanding that cerebral palsy is best described by which statement?

C. Cerebral palsy is a chronic condition that affects muscle control and movement. It is caused by damage to or abnormal development of the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture. This damage can occur before, during, or shortly after birth, and it results in difficulties with muscle coordination, balance, and motor skills. A. Cerebral palsy is not caused by an infectious agent; it is a non-progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, posture, and muscle coordination. It is primarily caused by abnormal development or damage to the brain before, during, or shortly after birth, rather than by an infectious disease. B. Cerebral palsy is not caused by inflammation of the brain due to a viral illness. While viral illnesses can lead to complications, such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), cerebral palsy itself is not caused by inflammation but rather by neurological damage or abnormal development. D. Cerebral palsy primarily affects movement and muscle control but it does not necessarily result in intellectual disability. Intellectual disability can occur in some cases of cerebral palsy, but it is not a defining characteristic of the condition.