Deck 37: Mental Health Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence

Question 1

A school nurse is caring for a 7-year-old child who has demonstrated a significantly lower-than-average score for mental age on standardized tests in reading. However, the child's IQ scores were within the average range. The nurse interprets this information as suggesting which diagnosis?

A) Communication disorder
B) Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
C) Asperger syndrome
D) Dyslexia

Answer 1

Dyslexia

Question 2

A nurse is counseling a parent whose child has been diagnosed with a communication disorder. Which intervention would the nurse emphasize when educating the parent on this disorder?

A) Providing the child with nonverbal activities
B) Initiating conversations with the child frequently
C) Stopping the child's conversation if stuttering begins
D) Asking the health care provider for medication to improve the child's speech

Answer 2

Initiating conversations with the child frequently

Question 3

A nurse is assessing a child who is suspected of having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Which behavior would the nurse identify as reflecting impulsiveness in the child?

A) Inability to wait his or her turn
B) Restlessness
C) Difficulty completing a task
D) Risk-taking behavior

Answer 3

Risk-taking behavior

Question 4

The history of a child newly diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) reveals that the child is experiencing sleeping difficulties. When providing care to this child, which medication would the nurse most likely expect to be prescribed?

A) Methylphenidate
B) Atomoxetine
C) Bupropion
D) Clonidine

Question 5

After educating the parents of a child diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) on the disorder and its treatment, the nurse determines that the education has been effective when the parents make which statement?

A) "We need to remember that our child is not a bad kid but just has difficulty with impulse control and attention."
B) "We need to be careful so our child doesn't develop a substance abuse problem."
C) "We should stop the medication after two months to see how effective it is in really controlling symptoms."
D) "We should set up regular routines, but not worry if our child violates the limits once in a while."

Question 6

A nurse is providing training for parents of a child diagnosed with a disruptive behavior disorder involving the use of "time out." When describing how to implement this, which step would the nurse identify as the first step?

A) Having the child recount the reason for the time out
B) Clearly identifying what is required for the child
C) Informing the child what will happen because of the behavior
D) Placing the child in a designated area removed from others

Question 7

A nurse is preparing to initiate a behavioral treatment program for a child with encopresis. Which action would the nurse most likely implement first?

A) Administration of mineral oil
B) Bowel cleansing
C) Low-fiber diet
D) Sitting on the toilet after each meal

Question 8

A nurse is assessing an 8-year-old child diagnosed with a mood disorder. Which finding would the nurse most likely expect to assess?

A) Statement from the child about feeling sad
B) Behavioral problems
C) Recurrent obsessions
D) Ritualistic behavior

Question 9

A group of nurses is reviewing medications used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHA). The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they identify methylphenidate as which type of drug?

A) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
B) Psychostimulant
C) Noradrenergic reuptake inhibitor
D) Alpha agonist

Question 10

After educating a group of nursing students about intellectual disability and adaptive behavior, the instructor determines that additional education is needed when the group identifies which type of skill as involved with adaptive behavior?

A) Intellectual skill
B) Conceptual skill
C) Social skill
D) Practical skill

Question 11

The parent of a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder tells the nurse that the child has few playmates. The parent states, "My child has real trouble interacting with other children and when there is a change in routine, a tantrum occurs." Based on this information, the nurse identifies which nursing diagnosis as the priority?

A) Self-Care Deficits related to repeated tantrums
B) Risk for Injury related to autism spectrum disorder
C) Compromised Family Coping related to having a child with autism spectrum disorder
D) Social Isolation related to poor social skills

Question 12

A child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder engages in a repetitive rocking behavior that does not pose a threat to the child's safety. When educating the child's family on managing this behavior, which action would be appropriate for the nurse to suggest?

A) Ignore it
B) Redirect the child
C) Use positive reinforcement
D) Pad the area around the child

Question 13

A nurse is caring for a family with a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. When developing an education plan for the parents, what would the nurse most likely emphasize?

A) The child is at higher risk for seizure disorder.
B) The child's IQ will typically be higher than that of other children.
C) Dyslexia also may be a comorbid condition.
D) A structured physical environment is important for the child.

Question 14

A nurse is counseling a family whose 4-year-old child has mild intellectual disability. The nurse is working with the family on realistic long-term goals. Which goal would be most appropriate?

A) Locating suitable residential placement for the child
B) Finding a foster home for the child
C) Having the child function independently as an adult
D) Preventing the onset of psychiatric disorders in the child

Question 15

After teaching a group of nursing students about pharmacotherapy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the instructor determines that the education was successful when they identify which agent as the first line choice?

A) Atomoxetine
B) Bupropion
C) Guanfacine
D) Clonidine

Question 16

A child with a tic disorder is prescribed an antipsychotic agent as part of the treatment plan. Which medication would the nurse expect to be prescribed?

A) Aripiprazole
B) Haloperidol
C) Clonidine
D) Guanfacine

Question 17

A child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder is hospitalized in an inpatient mental health unit. When developing the plan of care for this child, which objective would be most important for the nurse to include?

A) Ensuring that a variety of caregivers are available for the child
B) Providing a consistent, structured environment with predictable routines
C) Allowing the child frequent visits off the unit to provide stimulation
D) Sending the child to the "time out" area if the child continually repeats phrases

Question 18

The mother of a 4-year-old child with autism spectrum disorder tells the nurse that the child rocks continuously but does not get injured when doing so. Which suggestion should the nurse make?

A) Ignore the behavior.
B) Tell the child to stop.
C) Hold the child until the rocking stops.
D) Put the child in time out for 4 minutes.

Question 19

A nurse is preparing an education session for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. When describing problems associated with communication, which behavior would the nurse most likely include as common? Select all that apply.

A) Repetition of words or phrases
B) Abstract interpretation of language
C) Early language development
D) Reversal of pronouns
E) Abnormal intonation

Question 20

A child is prescribed atomoxetine to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). When educating the child and parents about common side effects, which common side effect would the nurse include? Select all that apply.

A) Headache
B) Abdominal pain
C) Decreased appetite
D) Nervousness
E) Dyskinesias