A child has an IQ level of 30. This child falls into which category of intellectual disability?

Appeared in: KGMU 2023

Explanation

The standard classification for intellectual disability places an IQ score of 30 within the 'Severe' category.
The IQ range for Severe Intellectual Disability is typically defined as 20–25 to 35–40.
Individuals in this category have limited conceptual skills, require support for all activities of daily living, and need supervision at all times.

Option A: Mild intellectual disability corresponds to an IQ range of approximately 50 to 70. An IQ of 30 is significantly lower than this range.
Option B: Moderate intellectual disability corresponds to an IQ range of approximately 35 to 50. An IQ of 30 falls just below this range.
Option D: Profound intellectual disability is characterized by an IQ level below 20 or 25. An IQ of 30 is above this threshold.

Visual 1: Chart: A bar graph or table illustrating the four levels of intellectual disability (Mild, Moderate, Severe, Profound) with their corresponding IQ score ranges. This provides a quick visual reference for the classification system.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification of Intellectual Disability by IQ Score as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must understand the level of intellectual disability to tailor care plans, communication strategies, and safety precautions effectively.
For a child with severe intellectual disability, nursing priorities include ensuring a safe environment to prevent injury, promoting basic self-care skills through simple and repetitive instructions, and providing emotional and educational support to the family.
What if? If the child's IQ was 65, they would be classified as having a mild intellectual disability. The nursing focus would shift towards promoting social and vocational skills for greater independence, rather than intensive daily living support.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key piece of data in the question stem, which is the IQ level of 30.
Next, recall the standard medical and psychological classifications for intellectual disability based on IQ scores.
Compare the given IQ score (30) to the established ranges for each category: Mild (50-70), Moderate (35-50), Severe (20-35), and Profound (below 20).
Determine that an IQ of 30 falls within the range for 'Severe' intellectual disability.
Select the option that matches this classification.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Classification of Intellectual Disability by IQ Score
Stem keywords: child, IQ level, 30, intellectual disability
Lead-in keywords: falls into which category
Clinical cues: IQ level of 30 is a specific value used for standardized classification.

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