What does an Intelligence Quotient (IQ) of 20-35 indicate?

Appeared in: Punjab CHO - 2021

Explanation

IQ 20-35 is classified as severe intellectual disability.
Individuals in this range have significant limitations in conceptual, social, and practical domains.
They require support for all activities of daily living and constant supervision.
Speech is limited to simple words or phrases, often supplemented by gestures.
This classification is consistent with DSM and WHO guidelines.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

Option A: Mild mental retardation is defined by an IQ range of 50-70, not 20-35.
Option B: Moderate mental retardation corresponds to an IQ range of 35-50, which is higher than 20-35.
Option D: Profound mental retardation is defined as an IQ below 20, not 20-35.

Related Visual

A chart showing the classification of intellectual disability by IQ range, with columns for Classification, IQ Range, and Functional Description. Highlight the row for sev...

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 recognize the level of intellectual disability to plan appropriate care and supervision.
Individuals with severe MR require constant support for daily living and safety.
What if? If the IQ was 36, the classification would shift to moderate MR, changing the level of independence and care required.

How to Approach the Question

Recall the standard IQ ranges for each level of intellectual disability.
Match the given IQ value to the correct classification.
Eliminate options that do not fit the specified IQ range.
Use a table or mnemonic if needed to remember the ranges.
Focus on the numeric boundaries for each category.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Classification of intellectual disability by IQ score
Stem keywords: Intelligence Quotient, IQ 20-35, classification
Lead-in keywords: indicate

Question ID

q_fzocWijWYh0KHBg2Oji

Reference Book

E6 Robert Boland, Marcia L. Verduin - Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry-Wolters Kluwer Health (2024) (pp 1-16525 of 16525) pp. 11763-11765, 11767-11769

Practise the full Punjab CHO - 2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.

Attempt this paper Attempt in the NPrep app