Primary health care for children of mothers with intellectual limitations

Intellectually impaired mothers can present a challenge to pediatric nurses. The lack of basic organizational and decision-making skills needed to provide positive nurturing can interfere with the health and development of their children. This descriptive study of the well child needs of 62 two-year-old children from low income families found that children of mothers with intellectual limitations had more frequent referrals for medical or developmental problems, accidents, and problems with hygiene and discipline than children of mothers without intellectual limitations. The needs of families with an intellectually limited mother must be recognized and evaluated if appropriate health care of children is to be accomplished.