Question 1

Parents tell the nurse their child has the following behaviors: excessive handwashing,counting objects,and hoarding substances.The nurse knows this behavior is characteristic of:

Accepted Answer

The excessive handwashing, counting objects, and hoarding substances are all symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). OCD is characterized by persistent, uncontrollable thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) designed to reduce anxiety. Depression, separation anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder do not typically involve these specific behaviors.

Question 2

A child is taking Ritalin (methylphenidate hydrochloride)for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).The parents should be instructed to administer the medication:

Accepted Answer

Ritalin is a stimulant medication and is typically prescribed to be taken in the morning to avoid interference with sleep patterns. It is best to take the medication early in the morning to ensure that the effects last throughout the day, especially during periods of increased focus and attention demands such as school hours.

Question 3

A child with autism is being admitted to the hospital because of recent vomiting and diarrhea.Upon admission,the nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Children with autism are often sensitive to changes in their environment and routine, and may become overwhelmed in a new and unfamiliar setting. Therefore it is best to orient the child to their hospital room and keep distractions to a minimum to help them feel more comfortable and secure. Taking the child on a tour of the whole unit or taking them to the playroom immediately may be too overwhelming and may exacerbate symptoms. Admitting the child to a four-bed unit may increase the likelihood of overstimulation from other patients and noise.

Question 4

The nurse defines mental health as:

Accepted Answer

Mental health can be defined as successful engagement in activities and relationships. This definition emphasizes the importance of social connections and meaningful participation in daily life as aspects of mental well-being. The other options focus on cognitive functioning and abilities, which are important but do not capture the full range of mental health.

Question 5

A child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)is interested in playing the drums in the school band.The school nurse should:

Accepted Answer

The school nurse should encourage the child to join the band as playing an instrument can be beneficial for children with ADHD. It can help them focus their attention, improve their concentration, and decrease their impulsivity. The child may need some extra support, such as additional practice time or a modified practice schedule, but with proper support, the child can thrive in the band. It is not necessary to consult with a physician or discourage the child from playing in the band. Private lessons may also be an option, but it should not be the only option presented to the child.

Question 6

A nurse is performing developmental assessments on several children in the daycare setting.Which child indicates a delay in meeting developmental milestones?

Accepted Answer

A kindergartner (typically 5-6 years old) should be able to perform fine motor skills such as buttoning his shirt. This skill is usually developed by the age of 5. The other options describe behaviors that are normal for the ages mentioned.

Question 7

The family of a child with a cognitive alteration is expressing difficulty with managing the care needs of the child.The nursing diagnosis appropriate for this situation is:

Accepted Answer

This nursing diagnosis addresses the family's difficulty with managing the care needs of the child due to developmental variations, suggesting that the family needs support to cope effectively. Option A is not appropriate because the question does not suggest the child has a terminal illness. Option C is not appropriate because it incorrectly labels the child as having mental retardation. Option D is not appropriate because it places blame on parents for their child's condition, which is not helpful or supportive.

Question 8

A nurse is caring for four clients in the hospital.Which client should the nurse refer for play therapy?

Accepted Answer

Play therapy is often used with children who have experienced traumatic events or hospitalizations. The preschool child hospitalized with injuries sustained in a traumatic motor vehicle accident is the best choice for play therapy. Asthma and appendectomy are not typically traumatic events, and an infant with sepsis may not be developmentally ready for play therapy.

Question 9

A child with profound intellectual disability has been admitted to the hospital for an appendectomy.The nurse recognizes that the intelligence quotient (IQ)of this child is:

Accepted Answer

A child with profound intellectual disability typically has an IQ score below 20.

Question 10

A nurse is planning preoperative teaching for a child scheduled to have a tonsillectomy.The child has a history of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).The nurse plans to:

Accepted Answer

Children with ADHD may have difficulty with attention and concentration, so it is important to provide instructions in a clear and concise manner. Using a picture pamphlet can help to reinforce verbal instructions, and repeating points can aid in retention. Conducting the teaching in a playroom setting with other children present may be distracting for the child with ADHD, and allowing frequent interruptions may disrupt the flow of information. Playing a television show in the background can also be distracting and interfere with the child's ability to focus on the teaching session.

Question 11

An adolescent child with panic disorder is taking Prozac (fluoxetine HCl),a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).The child tells the nurse that she often takes diet pills because she is trying to lose weight.The nurse should advise the child to:

Accepted Answer

Taking diet pills while on Prozac can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. Therefore, the nurse should advise the child to discontinue the use of diet pills while taking Prozac. It is important to discuss any medication use with a healthcare provider before making any changes.

Question 12

The priority nursing diagnosis for a child with bipolar disorder who has suicidal ideas would be:

Accepted Answer

The priority nursing diagnosis for a child with bipolar disorder who has suicidal ideas would be risk for injury related to suicidal ideation. This diagnosis takes priority over other possible diagnoses because the child's safety is of utmost importance. It is important to assess the child's suicidal thoughts and create a plan to keep the child safe. The other options may also be appropriate diagnoses for a child with bipolar disorder, but ensuring the child's safety takes precedence in this situation.

Question 13

Parents of a child recently diagnosed with Down syndrome relate to the nurse that they "feel guilty about causing the condition." The best response by the nurse is:

Accepted Answer

Down syndrome is caused by an extra chromosome, and while there is an increased risk for women over the age of 35 giving birth to a child with Down syndrome due to a greater chance of errors occurring during cell division, the exact cause is unknown. It is important for the nurse to reassure the parents that they did not cause their child's condition and that they should not feel guilty.

Question 14

The nurse is working with a family of a child during the diagnostic phase for cognitive alteration.The nurse develops which of the following expected outcomes?

Accepted Answer

During the diagnostic phase, the primary expected outcome is for the family to understand the child's special needs, which is foundational for further planning and interventions.

Question 15

A child is being evaluated for depression.An assessment tool the nurse expects the psychologist to use is the:

Accepted Answer

The Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale is commonly used as an assessment tool for depression, as anxiety and depression often coexist in children. The other assessment tools listed are not specific to evaluating depression.

Quiz 57: The Child With Alterations in Mental Health and Cognitive Function

Parents tell the nurse their child has the following behaviors: excessive handwashing,counting objects,and hoarding substances.The nurse knows this behavior is characteristic of:

A child is taking Ritalin (methylphenidate hydrochloride) for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) .The parents should be instructed to administer the medication:

A child with autism is being admitted to the hospital because of recent vomiting and diarrhea.Upon admission,the nurse should:

The nurse defines mental health as:

A child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is interested in playing the drums in the school band.The school nurse should: