Which nursing intervention related to self-care is most appropriate for a teenager diagnosed with moderate intellectual disability (ID)?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A reason: Encouraging family to meet all self-care needs reduces opportunities for independence. While family support is important, overdependence hinders skill development and autonomy in adolescents with moderate ID. Choice B reason: Avoiding interference entirely may lead to frustration or unsafe practices. Moderate ID requires structured guidance, not complete independence. Without support, the client may struggle to complete tasks correctly or safely. Choice C reason: Meeting all self-care needs for the client fosters dependency and prevents skill acquisition. While safety is important, this approach denies the adolescent opportunities to practice and improve self-care abilities. Choice D reason: Providing simple directions and praising independent efforts is the most appropriate intervention. Adolescents with moderate ID benefit from step-by-step guidance and positive reinforcement. This approach builds confidence, encourages autonomy, and ensures safety while promoting skill mastery.