BTSC Staff Nurse 31 July-2025
Applied Psychology
Easy
An Intelligence Quotient (IQ) less than 70 is defined as:
Appeared in: BTSC Staff Nurse 31 July-2025
Explanation
- The term 'mental retardation' is the historical (ICD-10) term for what is now called 'intellectual disability' (DSM-5) or 'disorders of intellectual development' (ICD-11).
- A core diagnostic criterion for this condition is an Intelligence Quotient (IQ) score of approximately 70 or below.
- In addition to a low IQ score, the diagnosis requires concurrent deficits in adaptive functioning in conceptual, social, and practical domains.
- The onset of both intellectual and adaptive deficits must be during the developmental period (before age 18).
Why Other Options Were Wrong
- Option A: Dissociative fugue is a psychiatric disorder characterized by reversible amnesia for personal identity, often involving unplanned travel or wandering. It is a disorder of memory, not intellect.
- Option C: Dissociative amnesia is a memory disorder characterized by a sudden inability to recall important personal information, usually of a traumatic or stressful nature. It does not relate to overall intellectual functioning.
- Option D: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder defined by deficits in social communication and the presence of restricted, repetitive behaviors. While many individuals with ASD also have an intellectual disability, a low IQ is not a defining criterion for ASD itself.
Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
- Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Definition of Intellectual Disability based on IQ score as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
- It is crucial for nurses to use current, person-centered terminology like 'intellectual disability' instead of the outdated term 'mental retardation' to reduce stigma and promote respectful care.
- Assessment for intellectual disability is holistic, involving not just an IQ test but also a thorough evaluation of adaptive skills (e.g., communication, self-care, safety) in the person's environment.
- Nurses play a key role in supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities by adapting communication, providing patient education at an appropriate level, and ensuring a safe environment.
How to Approach the Question
- First, identify the key terms in the question: 'Intelligence Quotient (IQ)' and 'less than 70'.
- This is a factual recall question. Access your knowledge about the definition and classification of intellectual and developmental disorders.
- Recall that an IQ score of approximately 70 or below is a benchmark for diagnosing intellectual disability (historically known as mental retardation).
- Evaluate the options. Dissociative disorders (fugue, amnesia) are related to memory and identity, not general intelligence.
- Consider autism spectrum disorder. While it can co-exist with low IQ, its primary diagnostic criteria are social and behavioral, not intellectual.
- Conclude that 'mental retardation' is the term that directly corresponds to the definition provided in the question.
Concept Tested & Keywords
- Concept Tested: Definition of Intellectual Disability based on IQ score.
- Stem keywords: Intelligence Quotient, IQ, less than 70
- Lead-in keywords: defined as
- Negative lead-in flag: false
Question ID
QmFTps4ZkX6vl4Uer0A2zc
Reference Book
E6 Kaplan Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry-2022 (pp 1-3768 of 3768) pp. 307-309, 320-322
E6 Robert Boland, Marcia L. Verduin - Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry-Wolters Kluwer Health (2024) (pp 1-16525 of 16525) p. 15499-15501
Practise the full BTSC Staff Nurse 31 July-2025
Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.
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