A nurse is assisting in the care of an infant diagnosed with tetralogy of Fallot. The infant's caregiver asks the nurse to explain this diagnosis. Which of the following is an accurate statement about this condition?

A. "Since ADHD is genetic, we need to know if other family members have been diagnosed to determine if your child has it." While ADHD has a genetic component, a family history alone is not sufficient to diagnose the condition. A proper diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation, not just genetic predisposition.

B. "Your child will need a comprehensive evaluation, based on specific criteria including a detailed history and behavior assessment." ADHD diagnosis is based on clinical criteria from the DSM-5, which includes a thorough history, observation of symptoms in multiple settings, and standardized behavior assessments. This ensures an accurate and well-supported diagnosis.

C. "If your child shows symptoms of ADHD at home but not at school, they can still be diagnosed with ADHD." ADHD symptoms must be present in at least two different settings, such as home and school, to meet diagnostic criteria. If symptoms are only seen in one setting, another cause may be responsible for the child’s behavior.

D. "ADHD can be confirmed with a blood test, so we should schedule one for your child." There is no laboratory test, imaging, or biomarker that can diagnose ADHD. Diagnosis is based on behavioral criteria and clinical evaluation rather than medical testing.

A. "As a nurse, I can't diagnose what is causing you to have worsening symptoms. However, we will relay this information to your healthcare provider so they can determine what should happen next." While it is true that nurses cannot diagnose, this response does not address the adolescent’s concerns or encourage them to share more information about their symptoms.

B. "If you are experiencing worsening respiratory distress, we must get you to the emergency department immediately." This response may create unnecessary alarm without first assessing the severity of the symptoms. While severe distress requires urgent care, the nurse should first gather more information.

C. "It sounds like you may be concerned that your condition could be getting worse. That can be scary—tell me more about what you have been experiencing." This is correct because it acknowledges the adolescent's emotions, encourages open communication, and allows the nurse to gather more information before determining the appropriate course of action.

D. "As you know, cystic fibrosis is a respiratory disease. Increased respiratory distress is a characteristic symptom of this disorder." While this statement is factually correct, it dismisses the adolescent’s concern instead of providing reassurance, emotional support, and further assessment.