Question 1

In individual therapy involving a child or adolescent, who decides what will be shared with caregivers?

Accepted Answer

The therapist and the child or adolescent typically work together to decide what information will be shared with caregivers. This collaborative approach respects the child's autonomy while also considering the parents' or guardians' right to be informed, especially when it pertains to safety or well-being.

Question 2

The focus of family therapy is:

Accepted Answer

Family therapy primarily focuses on improving relationships and communication patterns among family members, rather than just addressing the issues of a single individual or resolving crises.

Question 3

The major focus of play therapy is to:

Accepted Answer

Play therapy primarily aims to provide a safe and conducive environment for children to express their emotions, feelings, and problems through play, which can be more natural and less intimidating for them than direct conversation.

Question 4

Which of the following disorders is the most commonly encountered neurobehavioral disorder of childhood?

Accepted Answer

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly encountered neurobehavioral disorder of childhood, characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Question 5

Which of the following is the basic impairment in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder?

Accepted Answer

Too few inhibiting behaviors, causing problems in learning self-regulation behaviors, is the basic impairment in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Question 6

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is viewed as a disorder that will be present:

Accepted Answer

ADHD is recognized as a chronic disorder that can persist into adulthood. While symptoms may change or improve over time, the disorder itself often remains, necessitating ongoing management.

Question 7

The school nurse is working with a child suspected of having attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by some of his teachers. The nurse is aware that some other conditions can produce behaviors similar to ADHD. Which of the following conditions, in addition to hearing problems and learning disabilities, can be mistaken for ADHD?

Accepted Answer

Conditions such as anxiety, depression, and absence seizures can mimic ADHD symptoms, making it important to consider these in differential diagnosis. Anxiety and depression can affect attention and impulsivity, while absence seizures can cause brief lapses in attention that resemble inattentiveness in ADHD.

Question 8

There are three subtypes of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder; one type is primarily of the inattentive type. Which of the following behaviors by a child would the nurse recognize as matching the diagnostic criteria under inattention?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty organizing tasks and activities is a characteristic behavior of the inattentive type of ADHD, aligning with the diagnostic criteria for this subtype.

Question 9

In order for a child to be diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, a child must meet 6 of 9 diagnostic criteria and these symptoms must be present in two or more settings and have persisted for how long?

Accepted Answer

For a child to be diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the symptoms must have been present for at least 6 months. This duration ensures that the behaviors are consistent and not just a response to a temporary situation or developmental phase.

Question 10

To be diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a child must have at least 6 of 9 symptoms of inattention and 6 of 9 symptoms of hyperactivity or impulsivity. Also, the symptoms must have occurred in two or more settings; persisted for 6 or more months; adversely affected functioning in school, work, or social situations; and been present before what age?

Accepted Answer

For a diagnosis of ADHD, symptoms must have been present before the age of 7 years. This criterion helps ensure that the behaviors are not simply a response to situational changes or late development but are indicative of a more persistent and pervasive disorder.

Question 11

Behavioral management of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder includes which of the following methods?

Accepted Answer

Behavioral management for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often involves clear definitions of acceptable and unacceptable behaviors along with consistent consequences and rewards to encourage desired behaviors. This approach helps children with ADHD understand expectations and learn self-regulation. Aversive therapy, extinction, and strict punishments without warnings are not typically recommended strategies for managing ADHD, as they do not foster understanding or self-regulation in a supportive way.

Question 12

A child diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder has been on methylphenidate (Ritalin) for several months. The physician orders a "drug holiday." Which of the following is the most likely reason for the drug holiday?

Accepted Answer

A drug holiday is often recommended for patients on long-term medication like methylphenidate to assess the current necessity of the drug, evaluating if the patient still needs it daily or at all. This can help in determining the effectiveness of the medication and if the patient's condition has changed.

Question 13

The nurse is working with the caregivers of a child who has attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The caregivers ask the nurse to help them figure out how to get their child to pay better attention to instructions because then they tell her to do something, she never seems to recall what they asked her to do or she completes only part of the task. She is having the same problem at school. What is the best intervention the nurse can suggest?

Accepted Answer

Breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable parts and giving one or two instructions at a time can help a child with ADHD focus and remember instructions better. This approach is tailored to their attention span and processing style, making it easier for them to follow through with tasks.

Question 14

The nurse is working with the parents of a child with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The child is on methylphenidate (Ritalin). Which of the following actions by the nurse would be most helpful in getting the parents to comply with the medication regimen?

Accepted Answer

Exploring the parents' feelings and concerns about the medication is the most effective way to address any hesitations or misunderstandings they may have, ensuring better compliance with the medication regimen. This approach respects the parents' perspectives and provides an opportunity for education and reassurance tailored to their specific worries.

Question 15

The nurse is working with a child who has a diagnosis of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and is taking a stimulant medication. The child has lost weight and is short for his age group. The nurse will talk with the parents about this weight loss and the lag in growth attainment. The nurse will most likely explain this to the parents in which of the following ways?

Accepted Answer

Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can have side effects including reduced appetite and slowed growth. Therefore, it's important to discuss these potential side effects with a healthcare provider to manage them effectively.

Question 16

The nurse working with children who have a major depressive disorder (MDD) will notice that these children, compared to adults with major depressive disorder, are:

Accepted Answer

Children with major depressive disorder often present differently than adults. They are more likely to be irritable, express anxiety, and complain about physical symptoms (somatic complaints) rather than the classic symptoms of sadness or low mood often seen in adults.

Question 17

The nurse assessing a child or adolescent with a diagnosis of dysthymic disorder (DD) will find which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Dysthymic Disorder (DD), now known as Persistent Depressive Disorder in the DSM-5, is characterized by a chronic depressed or irritable mood that lasts for at least 2 years in adults (1 year in children and adolescents), along with symptoms such as low energy or fatigue.

Question 18

The school nurse is working with children from various cultures. The nurse notices that one of the foreign-born students seems to be silent and avoids eye contact with the principal, teachers, and other adults. The nurse decides to do further assessment before reaching a conclusion about the cause of this behavior. Which of the following is the most likely cause of the silence and avoiding eye contact?

Accepted Answer

In many cultures, silence and avoiding eye contact with adults or authority figures is a sign of respect rather than an indication of a psychological or social problem. The nurse's observation of this behavior in a foreign-born student suggests that it may be rooted in the student's cultural background rather than being a symptom of a disorder, low self-esteem, or language barriers.

Question 19

The school nurse working with a group of adolescents with mood disorders is aware that the third leading cause of death in 10- to 19-year-olds is which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 10- to 19-year-olds, following accidents (including automobile accidents) and homicide. Adolescents with mood disorders are at a higher risk for suicide, making it a critical area of concern for healthcare professionals working with this population.

Question 20

The school nurse notices that one of the adolescents who is in a peer support group is talking about not being around long and is giving away some belongings. The nurse suspects this adolescent may be thinking about suicide. Which of the following interventions would be best?

Accepted Answer

Asking the adolescent directly about suicidal thoughts is a recommended approach for professionals. It allows for an open conversation about the adolescent's feelings and intentions, providing an opportunity for immediate support and intervention. Reporting to school authorities or discussing with the family or peers might be subsequent steps, but the initial action should focus on directly engaging with the adolescent to assess risk and need for immediate help.

Quiz 35: Psychosocial Alterations