Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

A person with which developmental disability typically has a small skull and flattened nose?

1. Cerebral palsy

2. Spina bifida

3. Down syndrome

4. Autism

The correct answer is: Down syndrome

Down syndrome is associated with specific physical characteristics, including a smaller skull size and a flattened facial profile, particularly the nose. This condition is caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21, leading to a variety of developmental and physical differences. The distinct features, such as the flat nose and smaller head, result from the way this genetic variation affects normal growth and development. Understanding these characteristics can be crucial for caregivers and healthcare professionals in recognizing and providing appropriate support for individuals with Down syndrome. In contrast, the other developmental disabilities mentioned, such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and autism, present with different physical and developmental traits that do not typically include the same craniofacial features seen in Down syndrome.