The PMHNP is evaluating a 6-year-old boy with suspected ADHD. Which of the following biological findings should she expect to find that might help confirm diagnosis?
Reduced total brain volume on magnetic resonance imaging
Decreased slow-wave activity on electroencephalogram
Reduced thalamic volume
Early posterior-to-anterior cortical maturation
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Neuroimaging studies in children with ADHD often show reduced total brain volume, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, and cerebellum, supporting neurodevelopmental involvement in the disorder.
Choice B reason: Slow-wave activity on EEG may be altered in some neurodevelopmental disorders, but decreased slow-wave activity is not a specific marker for ADHD.
Choice C reason: Thalamic volume reduction is not consistently associated with ADHD; abnormalities are more commonly observed in cortical and subcortical structures.
Choice D reason: ADHD is associated with delayed cortical maturation, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, rather than early posterior-to-anterior cortical maturation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Gabapentin is used for neuropathic pain but is not considered first-line therapy for mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome, particularly in pregnancy.
Choice B reason: Anti-inflammatories, such as NSAIDs, may relieve symptoms but are generally avoided in pregnancy due to potential fetal risks and are not considered first-line for mechanical compression neuropathies.
Choice C reason: Corticosteroids can reduce inflammation but are not typically the initial treatment due to potential systemic effects, especially in pregnancy.
Choice D reason: Splinting of the wrist, particularly a neutral-position splint, is considered the first-line treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy. It helps reduce compression on the median nerve and relieve nocturnal symptoms safely.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Specific phobia involves intense fear of a specific object or situation, often leading to avoidance. While situational fears exist here, the patient’s avoidance is broad and involves multiple public environments, exceeding a single situational phobia.
Choice B reason: Adjustment disorder is characterized by emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to an identifiable stressor, typically appearing within 3 months. While COVID-19 is a stressor, the patient’s persistent, specific avoidance pattern fits a more defined anxiety disorder.
Choice C reason: PTSD involves re-experiencing trauma, avoidance of trauma-related stimuli, hyperarousal, and negative mood. The patient does not have re-experiencing or trauma-related cues in this scenario.
Choice D reason: This is correct. Agoraphobia is characterized by fear and avoidance of situations where escape may be difficult, often involving public spaces, transportation, or crowds. The patient’s inability to leave home, avoidance of stores, and fear of public situations align with the diagnostic criteria for agoraphobia.
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