A nurse is screening children and adolescents for exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Which of the following clients is considered to have experienced an ACE?

Choice A rationale
The adolescent’s experimentation with drugs could be a coping mechanism to deal with the trauma of the sexual assault and the subsequent posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Substance use, including drug use, is often a maladaptive coping strategy used by individuals

who have experienced trauma to numb their feelings, escape from their reality, or attempt to regain control. This must indeed be a difficult time for both the adolescent and the parent.
Choice B rationale
While experimentation is a part of normal adolescent behavior, it is not normal or healthy for an adolescent to use drugs, especially in response to a traumatic event such as a sexual assault. Drug use can lead to addiction, health problems, and further psychological distress. Therefore, it is something to be concerned about and addressed appropriately.
Choice C rationale
While it is important to understand and address the parent’s concerns, the focus should be on the adolescent’s needs. The adolescent is dealing with the aftermath of a sexual assault and a diagnosis of PTSD, and is using drugs. These are serious issues that need to be addressed with professional help. The question of which behavior to address first should be determined based on the adolescent’s immediate safety and well-being.
Choice D rationale
It is not helpful to label the adolescent’s behavior as misbehavior or to compare them to their siblings. Each child is unique and may react differently to stress and trauma. Instead of focusing on rules and comparisons, it would be more beneficial to provide support, understanding, and appropriate professional help.

Choice A rationale
While it’s important to discuss the restraint and seclusion policy when a client becomes agitated, it’s not the ideal time. The client may not be in a state to fully understand the information due to their heightened emotional state.
Choice B rationale
Discussing the policy while administering chemical or physical restraints is not appropriate. The client may be distressed or resistant, making it difficult for them to comprehend the information.
Choice C rationale
Although debriefing after restraint removal is a crucial part of the process, it’s not the best time to first introduce the restraint and seclusion policy. The client may be physically and emotionally exhausted after the experience.
Choice D rationale
The restraint and seclusion policy should be discussed with the client upon admission. This ensures that the client is aware of the policy ahead of time, which can help reduce anxiety and fear if restraints or seclusion become necessary.