ATI LPN
Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition
Chapter 36 : Mental Health Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is assessing an 8-year-old girl with a mood disorder. Which of the following would the nurse most likely expect to assess?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Mood disorders in children, such as depression, often present with verbalized feelings of sadness (option
A). Behavioral problems (option
B) may occur but are less specific. Options C and D are more characteristic of obsessive-compulsive disorder, not a mood disorder.
Question 2 of 5
A group of nurses is reviewing medications used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they identify methylphenidate as which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Methylphenidate is a psychostimulant used to treat ADHD by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels to improve attention and impulse control. Option A (SSRI) is for depression, option C (noradrenergic reuptake inhibitor) describes drugs like atomoxetine, and option D (alpha agonist) includes drugs like clonidine.
Question 3 of 5
The parents of a child with ADHD bring the child for a follow-up visit. During the visit, they tell the nurse that the child receives his first dose of methylphenidate (Ritalin) at about 7:30 AM every morning before leaving for school. The teacher and school nurse have noticed a return in the child?s overactivity and distractibility just before lunch. The child?s second dose is scheduled for about 12 noon. Which of the following might the nurse suggest as a possible solution to control the child?s symptoms a bit more effectively?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Switching to a longer-acting preparation of methylphenidate can provide more consistent symptom control throughout the morning, addressing the return of symptoms before lunch. Delaying the second dose (option
A) may prolong symptoms, splitting the dose (option
C) may not provide adequate coverage, and switching medication classes (option
D) is unnecessary without further evaluation.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is counseling a family whose 4-year-old child has mild mental retardation. The nurse is working with the family on realistic long-term goals. Which of the following would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: For a child with mild mental retardation, realistic long-term goals focus on maximizing independence to the extent possible. Mild mental retardation typically allows individuals to achieve some level of independent functioning as adults, such as living in supported environments or performing simple jobs with guidance. Options A and B (residential placement or foster home) are premature and not necessarily appropriate for mild cases, as they imply more severe disability. Option D is less feasible, as psychiatric disorders may not be preventable due to the complexity of mental health conditions.
Question 5 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.