Question 1

When a 5-year-old diagnosed with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder bounces out of a chair and runs over and slaps another child, what is the nurse's best action?

Accepted Answer

The best action is to remove the aggressive child from the situation to prevent further harm and to help the child calm down.

Question 2

Soon after parents announced they were divorcing, their child stopped participating in sports, sat alone at lunch, and avoided former friends. The child told the school nurse, "If my parents loved me, they would work out their problems." Which nursing diagnosis has the highest priority?

Accepted Answer

The child's behavior indicates withdrawal from social interactions, suggesting social isolation as the most immediate concern.

Question 3

A child diagnosed with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) shows hyperactivity, aggression, and impaired play. The health care provider prescribed amphetamine (Adderall XR). For which desired behaviour should the nurse monitor?

Accepted Answer

Amphetamine (Adderall XR) is a stimulant medication used to treat ADHD, and it helps improve focus and attention. The desired behavior to monitor would be an improved ability to participate in cooperative play with other children, as this indicates better attention and impulse control.

Question 4

A child reports to the school nurse that he was verbally bullied by an aggressive classmate. What is the nurse's best first action?

Accepted Answer

The nurse's best first action is to provide support to the victimized child by encouraging them to share their feelings, which helps in addressing the emotional impact of the bullying.

Question 5

A nurse assesses a 3-year-old diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Which finding is most associated with the child's disorder?

Accepted Answer

Repetitive behaviors such as rocking are commonly associated with autism spectrum disorders.

Question 6

A child diagnosed with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder had this nursing diagnosis: Impaired social interaction related to excessive neuronal activity as evidenced by aggression and demanding behaviour with others. Which finding indicates the plan of care was effective?

Accepted Answer

Engaging in cooperative play with other children indicates improved social interaction, which is the focus of the nursing diagnosis.

Question 7

What is the nurse's priority focused assessment for adverse effects in a child taking methylphenidate (Ritalin) for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

Accepted Answer

Methylphenidate can cause sleep disturbances and weight loss as common adverse effects, which are important to monitor in children with ADHD.

Question 8

Which factor presents the highest risk for a child to develop a psychiatric disorder?

Accepted Answer

Living with a depressed parent presents the highest risk for a child to develop a psychiatric disorder due to the direct impact of the parent's mental health on the child's environment and potential genetic factors.

Question 9

Which assessment finding would cause the nurse to consider a child to be most at risk for the development of mental illness?

Accepted Answer

Having a parent with chronic major depression is a risk factor for the development of mental illness in children. Social factors, such as missing a birthday party or not being promoted to the next grade, may cause temporary distress but are not necessarily indicative of long-term mental health issues. Moving to different homes can also be a risk factor, but it is not as significant as having a parent with chronic major depression.

Question 10

A 4-year-old cries for 5 minutes when the parents leave the child at preschool. The parents ask the nurse, "What should we do?" Select the nurse's best response.

Accepted Answer

The child demonstrates age-appropriate behavior for a 4-year-old. The nurse should reassure the parents. The distracters are over-reactions.

Question 11

A nurse will prepare teaching materials for the parents of a child newly diagnosed with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder. Which medication will the information focus on?

Accepted Answer

Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is a common medication used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.

Question 12

The parent of a 6-year-old says, "My child is in constant motion and talks all the time. My child isn't interested in toys but is out of bed every morning before me." The child's behaviour is most consistent with diagnostic criteria for which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The child's behavior of being in constant motion, talking all the time, and waking up early is consistent with symptoms of Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which includes hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Question 13

The child who has been prescribed an antipsychotic medication to manage violent behaviour was most likely diagnosed with which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Antipsychotic medications are sometimes used to manage severe behavioral issues, including violent behavior, in children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) when other treatments have not been effective.

Question 14

A kindergartener is disruptive in class. This child is unable to sit for expected lengths of time, is inattentive to the teacher, screams while the teacher is talking, and is aggressive toward other children. The nurse plans interventions designed to do which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The interventions should focus on reducing loneliness and increasing self-esteem, as these factors can contribute to disruptive behavior in children.

Question 15

Which nursing diagnosis is universally applicable for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders?

Accepted Answer

Impaired social interaction related to difficulty relating to others is a common nursing diagnosis for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, as social interaction difficulties are a hallmark characteristic of the disorder. The other options, chronic low self-esteem, deficient fluid volume, and anxiety, may not be universally applicable to all children with autism spectrum disorders.

Question 16

Assessment data for a 7-year-old reveals an inability to take turns, blurting out answers to questions before a question is complete, and frequently interrupting others' conversations. How should the nurse document these behaviours?

Accepted Answer

These behaviors are characteristic of impulsivity, which involves acting without thinking and difficulty in waiting for one's turn.

Question 17

A desired outcome for a 12-year-old diagnosed with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder is to improve relationships with other children. Which treatment modality should the nurse suggest for the plan of care?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A desired outcome for a 12-year-old diagnosed...

Question 18

A nurse works with a child who is sad and irritable because the child's parents are divorcing. Why is establishing a therapeutic alliance with this child a priority?

Accepted Answer

Establishing a therapeutic alliance with the child is a priority because acceptance and trust convey feelings of security to the child. In this situation, the child is experiencing a significant life change that may cause them to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about their environment. Building a therapeutic relationship with the child can provide them with a sense of security and stability during a challenging time. As trust and acceptance are established, the child may feel more comfortable expressing their feelings and working through the emotions associated with their parents' divorce.

Question 19

Which behaviour indicates that the treatment plan for a child diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder was effective?

Accepted Answer

Holding the parent's hand while walking indicates improved social interaction and communication, which are often goals in treatment plans for children with autism spectrum disorder.

Question 20

A child diagnosed with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder will begin medication therapy. The nurse should prepare a plan to teach the family about which classification of medications?

Accepted Answer

Psychostimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for managing symptoms of ADHD in children.

Quiz 27: Disorders of Children and Adolescents