The percentage of mental illnesses encountered at least once during childhood is about

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) 20%. In pediatric nursing, it is crucial to understand the prevalence of mental illnesses in childhood to provide appropriate care and support. Research indicates that approximately 20% of children will experience a mental health disorder at least once during their childhood. This statistic underscores the importance of early detection, intervention, and holistic care for children with mental health issues. Option A) 10% is incorrect because the prevalence of mental illnesses in children is higher than this figure. Option C) 30% and Option D) 40% are also incorrect as they overestimate the percentage, which could lead to misconceptions and inappropriate allocation of resources in healthcare settings. Educationally, understanding the prevalence of mental health disorders in children is vital for nurses and healthcare providers working with pediatric populations. By being aware of this statistic, nurses can advocate for mental health screenings, promote mental wellness, and ensure appropriate support systems are in place for children in need. This knowledge enhances the quality of care provided to pediatric patients and contributes to better health outcomes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) major depression. In pediatric nursing, understanding the link between psychiatric illnesses and suicide risk is crucial for early identification and intervention. Major depression is the most commonly encountered psychiatric illness in youths who complete suicide. This is because depression can significantly impair one's ability to cope with stressors and can lead to feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness, increasing suicide risk. Option B) schizophrenia spectrum disorders are less commonly associated with suicide in youths compared to major depression. While individuals with schizophrenia have an increased risk of suicide compared to the general population, the prevalence is lower in youths. Option C) conduct disorder is associated with behavioral issues rather than mood disturbances like depression. While conduct disorder is a risk factor for various negative outcomes, including criminal behavior, it is not as strongly linked to suicide as major depression. Option D) chronic anxiety can contribute to distress and impair daily functioning, but it is not typically the primary psychiatric illness seen in youths who complete suicide. Anxiety disorders are more likely to manifest as avoidance behaviors rather than direct self-harm. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing psychiatric illnesses in pediatric patients, especially when assessing suicide risk. By understanding the most common psychiatric illnesses associated with suicide, nurses can implement appropriate screening, monitoring, and interventions to support at-risk youths effectively.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the best medication to control the behavior of a 6-year-old boy with autism who exhibits aggression and self-injurious behavior is option B) risperidone. Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic medication commonly used to manage irritability, aggression, and self-injurious behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder. It helps to stabilize mood and reduce impulsive behaviors, making it an effective choice in this situation. Option A) methylphenidate is a stimulant commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) but is not the best choice for managing aggression and self-injurious behaviors in autism. Option C) escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression and anxiety disorders, not typically indicated for managing behavioral issues in autism. Option D) atomoxetine is a non-stimulant used to treat ADHD and is not the first-line choice for addressing the behavioral challenges described in the scenario. In an educational context, understanding the pharmacological management of behavioral issues in children with autism is crucial for pediatric nurses. Risperidone's effectiveness, side effects, dosing considerations, and monitoring parameters should be thoroughly understood to provide safe and effective care to pediatric patients with autism spectrum disorder. It is essential for healthcare providers to stay updated on evidence-based practices to optimize patient outcomes and quality of life.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) intestinal pseudo-obstruction. Polyhydramnios is an excess of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus in the womb. This condition can occur when the fetus is unable to swallow amniotic fluid due to gastrointestinal issues such as intestinal pseudo-obstruction. Option A) renal agenesis (Potter syndrome) is associated with oligohydramnios, a decreased amount of amniotic fluid, due to impaired fetal renal function. Option B) Prune-belly syndrome is characterized by abdominal muscle deficiency and urinary tract abnormalities, but it is not typically linked to polyhydramnios. Option C) pulmonary hypoplasia is underdeveloped lungs, which can lead to oligohydramnios due to decreased fetal respiratory movements. In an educational context, understanding the association between polyhydramnios and different fetal conditions is crucial for pediatric nurses. It helps in early identification of potential issues, appropriate prenatal counseling, and planning for the care of neonates with specific health needs. This knowledge allows nurses to provide comprehensive care to both the mother and the newborn, ensuring the best possible outcomes for both.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of pediatric nursing, understanding the etiology of seizures in newborns is crucial for effective care and intervention. Seizures beginning in the delivery room or shortly after birth may be indicative of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), making option A the correct answer. HIE occurs due to inadequate oxygen and blood supply to the brain, often resulting from perinatal asphyxia during labor or delivery. This lack of oxygen can lead to brain injury and subsequent seizures in newborns. It is essential for pediatric nurses to recognize the signs of HIE early to initiate prompt treatment and prevent further neurological damage. Options B, C, and D can be ruled out in this scenario: - Unintentional injection of maternal local anesthetic into the fetus (Option B) is a rare occurrence and not a common cause of early-onset seizures. - Intracranial hemorrhage (Option C) typically presents with different clinical signs and symptoms, such as altered level of consciousness or focal neurological deficits, rather than isolated seizures. - Hypoglycemia (Option D) can cause seizures in neonates, but it usually manifests slightly later than immediately after birth unless severe and prolonged. By understanding the specific causes of seizures in newborns, pediatric nurses can provide targeted care, closely monitor for complications, and collaborate with the healthcare team to optimize outcomes for these vulnerable patients.