NURSING 7331
Assessment &
Management of Child &
Adolescent Mental
Health Issues
Q & A w/ Rationales
2024
,1. A 10-year-old boy is brought to the school nurse by his
teacher, who reports that he has been acting restless,
irritable, and disruptive in class. The nurse observes that
the boy is fidgety, talks rapidly, and has difficulty staying
on task. The nurse suspects that the boy may have:
a) Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
b) Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
c) Conduct disorder (CD)
d) Bipolar disorder (BD)
*Answer: a) ADHD
Rationale: ADHD is characterized by a persistent pattern of
inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes
with functioning or development. The boy's symptoms are
consistent with ADHD, while ODD, CD, and BD have
different or additional features.*
2. A 14-year-old girl is referred to a mental health clinic by
her pediatrician, who noticed signs of depression during a
routine check-up. The girl admits that she has been feeling
sad, hopeless, and worthless for the past few months. She
also reveals that she has been cutting herself on her arms
and legs with a razor blade. The nurse should assess the girl
for:
a) Suicidal ideation
b) Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
c) Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
d) All of the above
*Answer: d) All of the above
, Rationale: Self-harm is a common symptom of depression,
BPD, and PTSD, and it increases the risk of suicide. The
nurse should explore the girl's thoughts and feelings about
her life and her future, as well as any history of trauma or
abuse.*
3. A 12-year-old boy is diagnosed with autism spectrum
disorder (ASD) after undergoing a comprehensive
evaluation by a multidisciplinary team. The boy has
impaired social communication and interaction skills, as
well as restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests.
The nurse should educate the boy's parents about:
a) Applied behavior analysis (ABA)
b) Medication management
c) Family therapy
d) All of the above
*Answer: d) All of the above
Rationale: ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that
requires a combination of interventions to address its core
and associated symptoms. ABA is an evidence-based
approach that uses positive reinforcement to teach new
skills and reduce challenging behaviors. Medication
management may be helpful for some children with ASD
who have co-occurring conditions such as anxiety,
depression, or ADHD. Family therapy can provide support
and guidance to parents and siblings who may face stress
and challenges related to ASD.*
Assessment &
Management of Child &
Adolescent Mental
Health Issues
Q & A w/ Rationales
2024
,1. A 10-year-old boy is brought to the school nurse by his
teacher, who reports that he has been acting restless,
irritable, and disruptive in class. The nurse observes that
the boy is fidgety, talks rapidly, and has difficulty staying
on task. The nurse suspects that the boy may have:
a) Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
b) Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
c) Conduct disorder (CD)
d) Bipolar disorder (BD)
*Answer: a) ADHD
Rationale: ADHD is characterized by a persistent pattern of
inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes
with functioning or development. The boy's symptoms are
consistent with ADHD, while ODD, CD, and BD have
different or additional features.*
2. A 14-year-old girl is referred to a mental health clinic by
her pediatrician, who noticed signs of depression during a
routine check-up. The girl admits that she has been feeling
sad, hopeless, and worthless for the past few months. She
also reveals that she has been cutting herself on her arms
and legs with a razor blade. The nurse should assess the girl
for:
a) Suicidal ideation
b) Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
c) Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
d) All of the above
*Answer: d) All of the above
, Rationale: Self-harm is a common symptom of depression,
BPD, and PTSD, and it increases the risk of suicide. The
nurse should explore the girl's thoughts and feelings about
her life and her future, as well as any history of trauma or
abuse.*
3. A 12-year-old boy is diagnosed with autism spectrum
disorder (ASD) after undergoing a comprehensive
evaluation by a multidisciplinary team. The boy has
impaired social communication and interaction skills, as
well as restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests.
The nurse should educate the boy's parents about:
a) Applied behavior analysis (ABA)
b) Medication management
c) Family therapy
d) All of the above
*Answer: d) All of the above
Rationale: ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that
requires a combination of interventions to address its core
and associated symptoms. ABA is an evidence-based
approach that uses positive reinforcement to teach new
skills and reduce challenging behaviors. Medication
management may be helpful for some children with ASD
who have co-occurring conditions such as anxiety,
depression, or ADHD. Family therapy can provide support
and guidance to parents and siblings who may face stress
and challenges related to ASD.*
