The nurse is caring for an autistic child who has been hospitalized. The child rocks continuously, but the rocking does not seem to present any risk to the child’s safety. The nurse should take which action?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: If rocking is safe and not disruptive, it should be allowed as it’s likely a self-regulatory behavior for the autistic child. Holding (A) could escalate distress, 'time out' (C) is punitive and inappropriate for a non-harmful behavior, and distraction (D) might work but isn’t necessary unless the rocking interferes with care.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Risk factors for mental illness in children often include biological factors like low birth weight, genetic predisposition indicated by family history, and environmental stressors such as caregiver neglect. Wealth, while it may influence access to care, is not a direct risk factor for developing mental illness and is thus the exception here.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Positive social environments, such as supportive family and peer relationships, are protective factors that reduce the likelihood of developing mental illnesses by fostering resilience and emotional stability. Option B accurately reflects this protective effect.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A holistic initial assessment in pediatric mental health includes family dynamics, social context, cultural influences, and psychological status to understand the child’s full situation. Option A is the most comprehensive and aligns with best practices.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Seeing and hearing things not present, along with dissociative-like experiences, are hallmark symptoms of hallucinations, possibly indicating psychosis or schizophrenia. These are distinct from suicidal thoughts, OCD, or general stress, making C the correct choice.