The PMHNP is evaluating a 4-year-old boy who is brought in by his foster mother. The child has been living with her for 1 week, and she is concerned about this behavior. Staff at the day care center he attends report that he displays fear unrelated to particular activities. Even when distressed, he does not seek comfort in, nor respond to, any staff members. What additional information about this child would be important in determining whether his symptoms represent reactive attachment disorder (RAD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?
Family history about the siblings
History of language delay
Presence of selective attachment behaviors
Indications he has experienced severe social neglect
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Family history about siblings may provide context for genetic predispositions but is not determinative for distinguishing RAD from ASD.
Choice B reason: History of language delay is important because language deficits are a core feature of ASD but not typically present in RAD, helping differentiate between the two conditions.
Choice C reason: Presence of selective attachment behaviors can help distinguish RAD, which is characterized by limited or absent attachment behaviors, from ASD, where children may form attachments but have social communication deficits.
Choice D reason: Indications of severe social neglect are critical for RAD diagnosis, as this disorder results from pathogenic caregiving environments, distinguishing it from neurodevelopmental conditions such as ASD.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Severe dehydration can cause dizziness and weakness, but the presence of confusion and nausea in a type 1 diabetic patient raises concern for metabolic disturbance rather than isolated dehydration.
Choice B reason: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is characterized by hyperglycemia, ketonemia, dehydration, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and altered mental status. Patients with type 1 diabetes, particularly those with eating disorders, are at increased risk due to insulin omission or inadequate intake.
Choice C reason: Acute renal failure can present with nausea, confusion, and weakness, but there is no information suggesting a sudden change in kidney function or laboratory evidence in this scenario.
Choice D reason: Myocardial toxicity is unlikely in this presentation; while electrolyte disturbances may affect the heart, the immediate constellation of symptoms in a type 1 diabetic points more toward DKA.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: The Beck Anxiety Inventory is a self-report measure mainly used for screening anxiety in the general population, not specifically in clinical assessment settings requiring clinician-administered evaluation.
Choice B reason: The HADS-A is used for screening anxiety and depression in medically ill patients but does not provide detailed gradation of anxiety severity.
Choice C reason: The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory measures both temporary state anxiety and chronic trait anxiety but is primarily used for research and not preferred for clinical diagnostic assessment.
Choice D reason: The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale is the most widely used clinician-rated tool to assess the severity of anxiety symptoms in psychiatric settings. It evaluates both somatic and psychological symptoms of anxiety, allowing for accurate assessment of symptom intensity and treatment response in clinical practice.
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