Which of the following comorbid conditions might a nurse expect to see in a client who has ADHD?
Down syndrome.
Spinal stenosis.
Schizophrenia.
Learning disabilities.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21, resulting in intellectual disability and characteristic physical features. It is a distinct neurodevelopmental disorder with a genetic basis and is not typically a comorbid condition with ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by attention difficulties, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Choice B rationale
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness. It is a structural musculoskeletal condition with no known direct etiological or common comorbid link to ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting executive functions and behavioral regulation.
Choice C rationale
Schizophrenia is a severe, chronic mental disorder characterized by disturbances in thought, perception, emotion, and behavior. While both ADHD and schizophrenia are neurodevelopmental disorders, they represent distinct clinical entities with different primary symptom presentations and neurobiological underpinnings. Although co-occurrence can happen, it's not a commonly expected comorbidity in the typical ADHD population.
Choice D rationale
Learning disabilities are highly common comorbid conditions in individuals with ADHD. Both conditions involve difficulties in academic functioning, and the presence of ADHD symptoms such as inattention and impulsivity can significantly exacerbate learning challenges. This comorbidity arises from overlapping neurocognitive deficits, particularly in executive functions, which are critical for both attention regulation and learning processes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Schizophrenia diagnosis commonly occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood, typically between the ages of 15 and 30 years. Diagnosis under the age of 12 is rare, often referred to as childhood-onset schizophrenia, and represents a very small percentage of cases.
Choice B rationale
People diagnosed with schizophrenia are not inherently more violent than others. While a small subset with untreated severe symptoms may exhibit aggression, the vast majority are not violent. Stigmatizing individuals with schizophrenia as violent is a harmful misconception.
Choice C rationale
Research consistently indicates that biologically female clients are typically diagnosed with schizophrenia later than biologically male clients. The peak age of onset for males is usually in the late teens to early twenties, whereas for females, it is generally in the late twenties to early thirties.
Choice D rationale
Biologically male clients are typically diagnosed with schizophrenia earlier than biologically female clients. This observed difference in onset age suggests potential variations in neurodevelopmental processes or hormonal influences that may contribute to the expression of the disorder.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Schizophrenia typically manifests in young adulthood, with the peak age of onset for males generally in the late teens to early twenties, and for females, in the early twenties to early thirties. This period is critical for neurodevelopment and social integration, making the emergence of such a debilitating illness particularly disruptive. Early identification and intervention during this developmental stage are crucial for mitigating long-term disability and improving outcomes.
Choice B rationale
Schizophrenia very rarely presents during the school-age period. While some very early signs or risk factors might be present, a full diagnosis of schizophrenia in school-aged children is exceptionally uncommon and would warrant extensive differential diagnosis to rule out other neurodevelopmental or psychiatric conditions. The brain developmental stage in this age group does not typically align with the common onset patterns of the disorder.
Choice C rationale
While late-onset schizophrenia, defined as onset after age 40, does occur, it is significantly less common than onset in young adulthood. Very late-onset schizophrenia, after age 60, is even rarer and often has different clinical features, such as more prominent hallucinations and less disorganization. The vast majority of diagnoses are made much earlier in life.
Choice D rationale
Schizophrenia is extremely rare in preschoolers. The complex symptomatology and diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia are not typically observed or applicable to this very young age group. If psychotic-like symptoms are noted in preschoolers, they are more likely indicative of other severe neurodevelopmental disorders or conditions requiring specialized evaluation rather than schizophrenia.
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