Pediatric Nurse Psychosocial and Mental Health Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 15-year-old is brought to the clinic by a parent who is concerned about their recent behavior, including a persistent irritable mood, loss of interest in soccer, significant weight loss, and difficulty concentrating on schoolwork for the past month.
The nurse should anticipate screening the adolescent for which of the following conditions first?

Accepted Answer

Major depressive disorder

Answer

Anorexia nervosa

Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Answer

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Question 2

A nurse is providing care for a 7-year-old child recently diagnosed with ADHD, inpatient for a femur fracture. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to include in the child's plan of care to address their psychosocial needs related to ADHD?

Accepted Answer

Implementing a structured daily routine with frequent, short breaks during activities.

Answer

Minimizing all forms of stimulation in the room to prevent hyperactivity.

Answer

Providing long, detailed explanations of procedures to ensure understanding.

Answer

Maintaining a highly flexible schedule to accommodate the child's impulses.

Question 3

Which of the following is a key feature that helps a nurse differentiate a manic episode in pediatric bipolar disorder from the typical presentation of ADHD?

Accepted Answer

The episodic nature of the mood changes.

Answer

The presence of hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Answer

The chronic and persistent nature of the symptoms.

Answer

The child's difficulty with peer relationships.

Question 4

A nurse is conducting a well-child visit for a 16-year-old female. The nurse notes a BMI of 16.5, fine lanugo hair on the back and arms, and reports of feeling cold frequently. The adolescent denies any problems and states she is 'just trying to be healthy.' Which of the following conditions should the nurse be most concerned about?

Accepted Answer

Anorexia nervosa

Answer

Bulimia nervosa

Answer

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

Answer

Binge eating disorder

Question 5

During a routine check-up for a 24-month-old, the nurse uses the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised (M-CHAT-R). This screening tool is designed to identify children at risk for which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Autism spectrum disorder

Answer

Speech and language delays

Answer

Social anxiety disorder

Answer

Global developmental delay

Question 6

A pediatric nurse is providing education to the parents of a child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Which statement by the parents indicates an effective understanding of nursing guidance?

Accepted Answer

"Maintaining a predictable schedule and using visual aids can help reduce our child's anxiety."

Answer

"We should avoid all routines to help our child become more flexible."

Answer

"It's best to use long sentences and metaphors to expand their language."

Answer

"We will try to make our child look us in the eye whenever we speak to them."