CHILDHOOD AND NEURODEVELOPMENTAL
DISORDERS (ADHD)
INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY •COMMUNICATION
AND LEARNING DISORDERS
Comprehensive Psychiatric–Mental Health
Nursing Review|| ATI • HESI High-Yield Master
Exam Guide
Spring Semester Examination May 2026
1. Which factor presents the highest risk for a child to develop a psychiatric disorder?
a. Having an uncle with schizophrenia
c. Living with an alcoholic parent
b. Being the oldest child in a family
d. Being an only child
• c. Living with an alcoholic parent
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, • Having a parent with a substance abuse problem has been
designated an adverse psychosocial condition that increases the risk
of a child developing a psychiatric condition. Being in a middle-
income family and being the oldest child do not represent
psychosocial adversity. Having a family history of schizophrenia
presents a risk, but an alcoholic parent in the family offers a greater
risk.
2. Which nursing diagnosis is universally applicable for children diagnosed with autism
spectrum disorders?
a. Impaired social interaction related to difficulty relating to others
b. Chronic low self-esteem related to excessive negative feedback
c. Deficient fluid volume related to abnormal eating habits
d. Anxiety related to nightmares and repetitive activities
• Impaired social interaction related to difficulty relating to others
• Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders display
profoundly disturbed social relatedness. They seem aloof and
indifferent to others, often preferring inanimate objects to human
interaction. Language is often delayed and deviant, further
complicating relationship issues. The other nursing diagnoses might
not be appropriate in all cases.
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, 3. Which behavior indicates that the treatment plan for a child diagnosed with an autism
spectrum disorder was effective? The child:
a. plays with one toy for 30 minutes.
b. repeats words spoken by a parent.
c. holds the parents hand while walking.
d. spins around and claps hands while walking.,
• c. holds the parents hand while walking.
• Holding the hand of another person suggests relatedness. Usually, a
child with an autism spectrum disorder would resist holding
someones hand and stand or walk alone, perhaps flapping arms or
moving in a stereotyped pattern. The incorrect options reflect
behaviors that are consistent with autism spectrum disorders.
4. A kindergartener is disruptive in class. This child is unable to sit for expected lengths
of time, inattentive to the teacher, screams while the teacher is talking, and is
aggressive toward other children. The nurse plans interventions designed to:
a. promote integration of self-concept.
b. provide inpatient treatment for the child.
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