A nurse is reinforcing teaching with an adolescent who has ADHD and a new prescription for methylphenidate. Which of the following actions by the adolescent should the nurse identify as a potential barrier is communication?
The adolescent interrupts the nurse to ask question
The adolescent occasionally turns away from the nurse and stares at the wall
The adolescent taps on the arm of the chair throughout the conversation
The adolescent rocks in their chair while speaking with the nurse.
The Correct Answer is C
A) "The adolescent interrupts the nurse to ask a question": Interrupting is common in adolescents with ADHD, as impulsivity is a characteristic of the disorder. While this behavior can be disruptive, it does not necessarily present a barrier to communication. The adolescent may be seeking clarification, and the nurse can guide them to ask questions at appropriate times.
B) "The adolescent occasionally turns away from the nurse and stares at the wall": This behavior may indicate that the adolescent is distracted or disengaged, but it does not necessarily block communication. It's important for the nurse to assess the adolescent’s attention and attempt to re-engage them if needed.
C) "The adolescent taps on the arm of the chair throughout the conversation": Tapping or other repetitive movements are often seen in individuals with ADHD and can be a significant barrier to effective communication. This behavior can be distracting for both the adolescent and the nurse, making it difficult to maintain focus on the conversation and absorb information. The nurse should address this by encouraging a calmer, more focused posture during discussions.
D) "The adolescent rocks in their chair while speaking with the nurse": Rocking can be a self-soothing behavior or a way to help manage restlessness, common in ADHD. While it can be distracting, it is less likely to be a major barrier to communication than tapping, which may be more intrusive. The nurse should assess if the behavior affects the adolescent’s ability to focus or engage.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) "Our child has a better grasp of reality":
While methylphenidate can improve focus and reduce impulsivity in children with ADHD, a "better grasp of reality" is not a typical or direct effect of the medication. The goal of medication like methylphenidate is to manage symptoms of ADHD, such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, rather than altering the child's sense of reality. Therefore, this statement does not reflect an expected outcome of the medication.
B) "Our child has lost some weight since his last appointment":
Weight loss can be a side effect of methylphenidate, as it may reduce appetite. However, this is not an indication that the medication is effective in managing ADHD symptoms. A decrease in weight does not correlate with the desired effects of improved concentration or behavior control. In fact, parents should be educated on monitoring the child’s nutritional intake and discussing any concerns about weight loss with the healthcare provider.
C) "Our child has increased his daily caloric intake":
While it is beneficial for children taking methylphenidate to maintain adequate nutrition, an increase in caloric intake is not directly related to the medication’s effectiveness in treating ADHD. The goal is to improve symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, not to focus on changes in food consumption.
D) "Our child is able to complete his homework on time":
This statement is a clear indicator that methylphenidate is working effectively. One of the main goals of treating ADHD is to improve the child's ability to focus and complete tasks, such as homework, within a reasonable time frame. The child being able to complete homework on time reflects the positive effect of the medication in improving concentration, attention, and task completion.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Check blood pressure for a client who is short of breath:
In a mass casualty incident, triage prioritizes addressing life-threatening conditions first. While shortness of breath may indicate a serious problem, assessing blood pressure would not be the most immediate action. The nurse should focus on airway, breathing, and circulation (the ABCs) before checking vital signs like blood pressure, as these could indicate the need for more urgent interventions.
B) Identify arterial bleeding by the presence of dark red blood:
Arterial bleeding is typically characterized by bright red blood that spurts or pulses with the heartbeat. Dark red blood is more indicative of venous bleeding. Recognizing arterial bleeding involves identifying the bright red, spurting blood, not dark red blood. It is essential to address major bleeding immediately by applying pressure or using a tourniquet as needed.
C) Open the airway of a client who has a cervical injury by using the jaw-thrust technique:
In clients with potential cervical spine injuries, the jaw-thrust technique is the recommended method to open the airway, as it does not involve tilting the head and neck, which could exacerbate a cervical injury. Ensuring the airway is patent is a priority in triage, and the jaw-thrust maneuver minimizes the risk of further injury to the spine.
D) Request the assistance of another staff member to log roll a client:
While log rolling is important for proper spinal alignment in clients with suspected spinal injuries, it is not the most urgent action during triage. In the context of a mass casualty incident, other immediate interventions, such as securing the airway and controlling bleeding, should take precedence before moving the patient unless the client’s condition requires repositioning to facilitate life-saving care.
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