Which medical condition does NOT cause anxiety in a child?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding the factors that can contribute to anxiety in children is crucial for providing holistic care. In this question, the correct answer is D) Carbonated beverages. Carbonated beverages do not cause anxiety in children directly. However, options A, B, and C can all potentially cause anxiety in children. A) Antihistamines: Some antihistamines can have side effects that include drowsiness or hyperactivity, which may lead to anxiety in children. B) Hypoparathyroidism: This condition can result in low levels of calcium in the blood, leading to symptoms like muscle cramps, tingling sensations, and even seizures, which can be frightening for a child and cause anxiety. C) Prolonged school absences: Missing school for an extended period can cause a child to feel disconnected from their peers, fall behind in academics, and experience anxiety about returning to a changed environment. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of considering a wide range of factors that can impact a child's emotional well-being in pediatric nursing practice. It emphasizes the need for nurses to be aware of how various medical conditions, medications, and social factors can influence a child's mental health, helping them provide comprehensive care that addresses both physical and emotional needs.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, it is crucial to understand childhood psychosis to provide appropriate care. The correct answer is "D) Acutephobic hallucination" because hallucinations associated with fear or anxiety (acutephobic hallucinations) are not typically seen in childhood psychosis. Option A, delusions, refers to fixed false beliefs, which are common in psychosis. Loss of reality testing (Option B) is a hallmark feature of psychosis where individuals struggle to differentiate between what is real and what is not. Disorganized speech (Option C) is also a common symptom in psychosis, characterized by incoherent or illogical speech patterns. Educationally, knowing the distinguishing features of childhood psychosis is essential for pediatric nurses to recognize early signs, provide timely interventions, and collaborate effectively with the healthcare team to support the child and their family. Understanding these nuances helps in delivering holistic care and improving outcomes for pediatric patients with mental health challenges.

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.