The nurse observes that the legs of a child with cerebral palsy cross involuntarily, and the child exhibits jerky movements with his arms as he tries to eat. The nurse recognizes that he has which type of cerebral palsy?

A. Ataxic cerebral palsy involves problems with balance and coordination. Movements may appear clumsy or unsteady but do not typically include muscle stiffness or involuntary crossing of the legs. B. Athetoid (or dyskinetic) cerebral palsy is characterized by slow, writhing involuntary movements, especially of the face, trunk, and limbs. The child described has more jerky than writhing movements. C. Mixed cerebral palsy includes symptoms of more than one type (e.g., spastic and athetoid). Although this is possible, the specific signs described (scissoring legs and jerky arm movements) are classic for spastic type. D. Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common form and is characterized by increased muscle tone (hypertonia), resulting in stiff muscles and awkward movements. Scissoring of the legs and jerky movements are hallmark signs.