Approximately how many youths who complete suicide have a preexisting psychiatric illness?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding the relationship between psychiatric illness and suicide risk is crucial. The correct answer is D) 90%. This means that the majority of youths who complete suicide have a preexisting psychiatric illness. This statistic highlights the importance of mental health screening and intervention in pediatric care. Option A) 10% is incorrect because studies consistently show a much higher prevalence of psychiatric illness among youths who die by suicide. Option B) 30% and Option C) 50% are also lower than the actual statistic, emphasizing the misconception that suicide is mainly an impulsive act rather than often being associated with underlying mental health conditions. In an educational context, this question serves to emphasize the need for healthcare providers to be vigilant in assessing and addressing mental health concerns in pediatric patients. It underscores the interconnectedness of mental health and overall well-being, urging healthcare professionals to approach pediatric care holistically. Understanding this high correlation can help nurses and other healthcare providers in early identification, intervention, and prevention of suicide in pediatric populations.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is characterized by excessive fear or anxiety about separation from home or attachment figures. In this case, the child's fear of being separated from his father while going to school manifests as a fear of being injured in a car accident. This fear is specific to the separation experience and is not related to attending school itself, ruling out school phobia (B) as the correct answer. Nonpathological anxiety (A) refers to normal, age-appropriate fears and worries that children may experience. Generalized anxiety disorder (D) involves excessive worry and anxiety about a variety of events or activities, whereas in this case, the child's anxiety is primarily focused on separation from his father during transportation to school. In an educational context, understanding the distinctions between different types of anxiety disorders is crucial for healthcare professionals working with pediatric populations. By correctly identifying separation anxiety in this case, healthcare providers can provide appropriate interventions and support to help the child manage their anxiety and improve their overall well-being.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, it is essential to have a clear understanding of major depressive episodes to provide optimal care for children and adolescents experiencing mental health issues. In this context, the correct answer, option A, which is "hypomanic episode," is not a diagnostic criterion for major depressive episodes. Depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, and significant weight loss are all diagnostic criteria for a major depressive episode according to the DSM-5 criteria used in psychiatric assessment. Depressed mood is a core symptom of depression, characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or irritability. Loss of interest or pleasure, known as anhedonia, is another key symptom indicating a major depressive episode. Significant weight loss is also a common physical manifestation of depression due to changes in appetite and eating habits. Understanding these diagnostic criteria is crucial for pediatric nurses to accurately assess, identify, and support children and adolescents with mental health concerns. By recognizing these symptoms, healthcare providers can initiate appropriate interventions, such as therapy, medication, or referrals to mental health specialists, to address the needs of young patients experiencing major depressive episodes. Therefore, in the context of pediatric nursing, being able to differentiate between the diagnostic criteria for major depressive episodes is vital for providing comprehensive care and support for young individuals struggling with mental health issues.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the most important next action is option C) lead level testing. Lead exposure has been linked to developmental delays and cognitive impairments, which can exacerbate the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Lead toxicity can mimic symptoms of ASD or worsen existing symptoms, making it crucial to rule out lead exposure in children with developmental concerns. Option A) physical examination for dysmorphic features is not the most important next step in this case because the child's symptoms align more with developmental delays and behavioral concerns rather than physical abnormalities typically associated with dysmorphic features. Option B) hearing tests are important in child development assessments but are not the priority in this case where concerns are focused on delayed speech and behavioral issues rather than hearing impairments. Option D) Wood's lamp is used to detect fungal infections like tinea capitis which are not relevant to the child's presentation of delayed speech, lonely play, and pica eating associated with ASD. In an educational context, understanding the importance of prioritizing investigations based on presenting symptoms is crucial in pediatric nursing. It underscores the significance of thorough assessments and targeted interventions to provide optimal care for children with developmental concerns like ASD. By prioritizing lead level testing in this case, healthcare providers can better address potential exacerbating factors and tailor interventions to support the child's overall development.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, it is crucial to understand the safety of medications for breastfeeding mothers and their infants. Psychotropic drugs are considered safe to use with caution during breastfeeding because they have limited transfer into breast milk and are generally well-tolerated by infants. Option A is correct because many psychotropic drugs, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are commonly prescribed to breastfeeding mothers. They are preferred due to their safety profile during lactation. Option B, amphetamines, are not recommended during breastfeeding as they can be excreted into breast milk and may have adverse effects on the infant, including irritability and poor feeding. Option C, bromocriptine, is contraindicated during breastfeeding as it can suppress lactation and potentially harm the infant. Option D, methimazole, is also not recommended during breastfeeding due to the risk of transferring into breast milk and causing hypothyroidism in the infant. Educationally, understanding the safety profiles of medications during breastfeeding is essential for pediatric nurses to provide evidence-based care to mothers and infants. It ensures the well-being of both the mother and the baby while supporting successful breastfeeding practices. Nurses should be knowledgeable about which medications are safe to use during lactation to provide accurate information and guidance to breastfeeding mothers.