Which of the following is a biological finding in patients with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
Reduced thalamic volume
Decreased slow-wave activity on electroencephalogram
Reduced total brain volume on magnetic resonance imaging
Early posterior-to-anterior cortical maturation
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Although structural imaging may show small variations in multiple regions, reduced thalamic volume alone is not consistently observed or diagnostic in ADHD.
Choice B reason: EEG findings in ADHD typically show increased, not decreased, slow-wave activity (especially theta waves), reflecting cortical underarousal. Therefore, this option is inaccurate.
Choice C reason: Reduced total brain volume is a consistent biological finding in ADHD. Neuroimaging studies show that children and adults with ADHD tend to have smaller total brain volume, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, and cerebellum. These differences reflect delayed cortical maturation and reduced neural connectivity, which underlie impaired executive functioning, attention control, and impulse regulation.
Choice D reason: ADHD is associated with delayed cortical maturation rather than early maturation. The developmental lag particularly affects the prefrontal regions involved in planning, inhibition, and working memory.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Oral antibiotics are not effective for intrapartum prophylaxis because they do not achieve adequate levels in the maternal bloodstream during delivery to prevent neonatal infection.
Choice B reason: Administering antibiotics prior to labor may reduce maternal colonization but does not provide reliable protection for the neonate at the time of delivery.
Choice C reason: Birth canal washes with chlorhexidine have been studied but are not considered effective or standard for preventing neonatal Group B Streptococcus transmission.
Choice D reason: This is correct. Intrapartum IV antibiotic prophylaxis, typically with penicillin or ampicillin, is the recommended method to prevent vertical transmission of Group B Streptococcus to the newborn. Administering antibiotics during labor achieves adequate maternal and fetal concentrations at the time of birth.
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