Which statement by the nurse would best help alleviate parental guilt? The community nurse visits the home of George. a child recently diagnosed with autism. The parents express feelings of shame and guilt about having somehow caused this problem.

€œThe specific cause of autism is unknown. However. it is known to be associated with problems in the structure of and chemicals in the brain.”

This statement is factual and does not cast blame on anything the parents did or did not do.Option A: The parents are not questioning whether other children will be affected; their concern is directed to the current situation and their feelings about it.Option C: Lack of prenatal care may be a risk factor in pervasive developmental disorders. but it is not the cause of autism.Option D: Although it is thought that there is a genetic component in autism. research has not identified specific genes. and there is no diagnostic test for this. The statement is misleading and would not alleviate guilt.