National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) Practice Exam

The condition called Phenylketonuria is associated with which type of disability?

1. Schizophrenia

2. Cerebral vascular accident

3. Barbiturate addiction

4. Intellectual disability

The correct answer is: Intellectual disability

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic metabolic disorder that results in the inability to properly metabolize phenylalanine, an amino acid found in many protein-containing foods. If left untreated, phenylalanine can build up in the body and cause severe intellectual disability and other neurological issues. This is because high levels of phenylalanine can lead to damage in brain development, particularly in early childhood when the brain is growing rapidly. Individuals with PKU need to follow a strict diet low in phenylalanine to prevent the intellectual disabilities associated with the condition. Early diagnosis through newborn screening and subsequent dietary management significantly decreases the risk of developing these disabilities. The other conditions mentioned do not have a direct link to the biochemical issues caused by PKU. Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder with complex genetic and environmental factors, cerebral vascular accidents refer to strokes that impact blood flow to the brain, and barbiturate addiction pertains to substance dependence. None of these conditions are specifically caused by or associated with the metabolic dysfunction seen in phenylketonuria.