Which statement about school refusal is FALSE?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding school refusal is crucial as it can impact a child's well-being and academic success. The FALSE statement among the options is D) Somatic symptoms are common. This is incorrect because somatic symptoms are actually common in children with school refusal. These symptoms can manifest as physical complaints like headaches or stomach aches to avoid going to school. Option A is true as school refusal often overlaps with other conditions like anxiety disorders. Younger children commonly experience separation anxiety, making option B correct. Option C is also accurate as older children may have underlying obsessive-compulsive disorders contributing to school refusal. Educationally, knowing these distinctions helps nurses identify and support children experiencing school refusal effectively. By recognizing the false statement, nurses can provide appropriate interventions and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to address the physical and emotional needs of the child, promoting their overall well-being and academic success.

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: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) carbonated beverages. It is important to understand that carbonated beverages do not directly cause anxiety in children. Antihistamine medications (option A) can cause drowsiness or hyperactivity, which may lead to anxiety in some children. Hypoparathyroidism (option B) is a condition that affects calcium levels in the blood, leading to symptoms like muscle cramps and tingling, which can be distressing for a child and may cause anxiety. Prolonged school absences (option C) can cause anxiety due to social isolation, academic concerns, or fear of missing out on important events at school. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of recognizing various factors that can contribute to anxiety in children. It emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to consider both physical and emotional factors when assessing a child's well-being. By understanding these associations, nurses and other healthcare professionals can provide more comprehensive care and support to pediatric patients experiencing anxiety.

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.