Mental Retardation

Mental retardation is a condition that is characterized by a below-average score on a test of mental ability or intelligence and limitations in the ability to function in daily life, such as communication, self-care, and getting along in social situations and school activities.


Signs and Symptoms of Mental Retardation:

• Cognitive skills and level of adaptive functioning are in under level of normal
• Speech delays
• Fine-motor and gross-motor are delayed
• Decreased spontaneous activity
• Irritability
• Non-responsiveness
• Poor eye contact during feeding

Nursing Interventions:

1. Promote care skills as much as possible
2. Facilitate appropriate playtime
3. Assist the child in communication and socialization skills
4. Provide safety precaution as necessary
5. Assist the family with decisions in relation to care
6. Provide information about support services and community agencies