ATI LPN
Test Bank for Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice
Chapter 36 : Mental Health Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is counseling a family whose child has autism. When describing this condition, which of the following would the nurse most likely include?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Autism spectrum disorder (AS
D) is characterized by symptoms that typically appear before the age of 3, often by 2.5 years, including challenges in social interaction and communication. Option A is incorrect, as autism is not caused by parenting practices but is neurodevelopmental. Option B is misleading, as detection often occurs before school age. Option D is false, as boys are more frequently affected than girls.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a family with a 3-year-old child who has autism disorders. When developing the teaching plan for the parents, which of the following would the nurse most likely include?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A structured physical environment is critical for children with autism, as it provides predictability and reduces sensory overload, aiding in behavior management and learning. Option A is true but less central to a teaching plan unless seizures are present. Option B is incorrect, as autism is often associated with a range of IQ levels, not necessarily higher. Option C is less relevant, as dyslexia is not a common comorbidity with autism.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is giving a presentation comparing and contrasting autism disorder and Asperger syndrome. Which of the following would the nurse include as differentiating Asperger syndrome from autism disorder?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Asperger syndrome is distinguished from autism by the presence of age-appropriate intelligence and language development, though social challenges persist. Option A is incorrect, as stereotypic behaviors may still occur in Asperger?s. Option C is more typical of autism, not Asperger?s. Option D applies to both conditions and does not differentiate them.
Question 4 of 5
The mother of a child with Asperger disorder tells the nurse that her child has few playmates. She states, 'He has such poor social skills with other children, and he strongly rejects any change in his routine by throwing a tantrum.' Based on this information, the nurse identifies which nursing diagnosis as the priority?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The child?s poor social skills and resulting lack of playmates directly point to the nursing diagnosis of Risk for Social Isolation, as this is a primary concern based on the mother?s statement. Option A is less relevant, as tantrums do not directly relate to self-care deficits. Option B is not supported, as no immediate physical danger is described. Option C may apply but is less specific than social isolation in this context.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a 3½-year-old child with autism who has been hospitalized. The child rocks continuously without any danger present to the child?s safety. Which intervention by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rocking is a common self-soothing behavior in children with autism and is not harmful in this context. Ignoring the behavior (option
C) is most appropriate, as it avoids reinforcing or escalating the behavior while ensuring safety. Option A is passive and less specific. Options B and D could distress the child and are inappropriate for non-harmful behaviors.