The nurse is caring for an autistic child who continually repeats phrases spoken by the nurse. In addition to describing this behavior in a documentation note, what medical term can the nurse use to refer to this behavior?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Echolalia is the repetitive echoing of words or phrases spoken by others, a common behavior in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Aphasia refers to language impairment, apraxia to motor planning difficulties, and clang associations to rhyming speech patterns seen in some psychiatric conditions, none of which fit this scenario.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Dopamine is critical for motivation, reward, and motor function. A deficiency is commonly linked to decreased motivation, as seen in conditions like depression or Parkinson’s-like symptoms, rather than fatigue (more general), compulsions (serotonin-related), or solely depressed mood (multifactorial). Option C is the most specific and accurate.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Suicidal ideation requires close monitoring to ensure safety. One-on-one observation (B) is the standard of care to prevent self-harm, unlike placing with peers (A, C) or near an exit (D), which could increase risk.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The MacDonald Triad, linked to potential future violence, includes bed-wetting (enuresis), animal cruelty (e.g., swinging a cat), and fire-setting (e.g., lighting paper on fire). Option B accurately reflects these specific behaviors.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A sudden drop in grades and social withdrawal are red flags for depression, warranting a screening (B). This is not typical teenage behavior (A), and immediate probing (C) or waiting (D) may miss a critical diagnosis.