A patient comes to the emergency department reporting flu-like symptoms. The nurse’s assessment reveals diaphoresis, a runny nose, muscle aches, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea. The patient history includes previous drug rehabilitation. What may these symptoms indicate if flu is ruled out as a cause of the symptoms?

A: Asking if the child argues with certain people more than others can help identify patterns of oppositional behavior. However, this question does not directly address the aggressive and harmful behaviors that are more indicative of oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). While arguing can be a symptom of ODD, it is not as specific or severe as bullying or threatening harm.

B: Inquiring about the parents’ response to angry outbursts provides insight into the family dynamics and how the child’s behavior is managed. This question is more about the parents’ actions rather than the child’s symptoms. It does not directly assess the child’s behavior, which is crucial for diagnosing ODD.

C: This question directly addresses aggressive and harmful behaviors, which are key symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder. Children with ODD often exhibit patterns of angry, irritable moods, argumentative/defiant behavior, and vindictiveness. Bullying and threatening to harm others are significant indicators of the disorder, making this the most appropriate question to assess for ODD.

D: Asking if the child has caused serious property damage can indicate severe behavioral issues, but it is more aligned with conduct disorder rather than oppositional defiant disorder. While property damage can occur in ODD, it is not as central to the diagnosis as the aggressive and defiant behaviors highlighted in option C.

A: Helping the client identify positive personality traits is important for building self-esteem and motivation for recovery, but it is not the immediate priority during detoxification.

B: Providing for adequate hydration and rest is the priority because it addresses the client’s immediate physical needs. Alcohol withdrawal can cause dehydration and exhaustion, which need to be managed to prevent complications such as seizures and delirium tremens.

C: Educating the client about the consequences of alcohol misuse is essential for long-term recovery but is not the immediate priority during the acute phase of detoxification.

D: Confronting the use of denial and other defense mechanisms is part of the therapeutic process but is not the immediate priority during detoxification. The focus should be on stabilizing the client’s physical condition first.