A nurse is preparing an inservice presentation for a group of staff psychiatric nurses who will be providing care to children and adolescents in a new outpatient psychiatric clinic. When describing important issues related to interviewing children, which of the following would the nurse emphasize? Select all that apply.
- A. Use of simple terms such as sad or nervous instead of depressed or anxious.
- B. Need for individualization of questions based on judgment and discretion.
- C. Use of questions that lead the child to the desired response.
- D. Speaking in longer sentences that include a description of what is being asked.
- E. Need for the child?s statements and behaviors to guide the interview.
Correct Answer: A,B,E
Rationale: Using simple terms (A), individualizing questions (B), and following the child?s lead (E) are key to effective pediatric interviews. Leading questions (C) bias responses, and long sentences (D) may overwhelm young children.
You may also like to solve these questions
A nurse is preparing to assess a 9-year-old child who has been sexually abused. Which of the following would be the priority for the nurse?
- A. Finding out when the abuse occurred
- B. Documenting the assessment for use in court
- C. Using anatomically correct dolls to elicit information
- D. Ensuring that the environment is safe and supportive
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Ensuring a safe and supportive environment (D) is the priority to reduce trauma and build trust during assessment. Timing (A), documentation (B), and dolls (C) are secondary to creating a secure setting for the child.
A group of nursing students is reviewing information about temperament and its effect on the child?s behavior. The students demonstrate understanding of the concept when they identify which of the following as characteristic of temperament. Select all that apply.
- A. Emotional bonding
- B. Sequential growth processes
- C. Activity level
- D. Adaptability
- E. Insecurity
Correct Answer: C,D
Rationale: Temperament includes activity level (C) and adaptability (D), innate traits influencing behavior. Emotional bonding (A) and growth processes (B) are developmental, and insecurity (E) is a state, not a temperament trait.
After completing the mental status assessment of a 9-year-old boy, the nurse documents the findings. Which of the following would the nurse document as reflecting the child?s motor activity? Select all that apply.
- A. Favorite story, Huckleberry Finn
- B. Short attention span
- C. Hyperalertness
- D. Went to the park last weekend
- E. Nail biting
- F. History of temper tantrums
Correct Answer: B,C,E,F
Rationale: Motor activity includes short attention span (B), hyperalertness (C), nail biting (E), and temper tantrums (F), as they reflect observable behaviors. Favorite story (A) and park visits (D) are not motor-related.
A nurse is interviewing a 12-year-old child in an outpatient psychiatric setting. Which of the following would be most appropriate for the nurse to say to establish a high degree of credibility?
- A. How would you describe your parents?
- B. Tell me about your best friend.
- C. I have several teddy bears; would you like one to hold?
- D. You?d get along better with your parents if you?d follow their advice.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Asking about the child?s best friend (B) is age-appropriate and non-threatening, building rapport and credibility. Asking about parents (A) may feel confrontational, offering a teddy bear (C) is too juvenile for a 12-year-old, and giving advice (D) is judgmental and undermines trust.
A nurse is preparing to complete a mental status examination of an adolescent who is experiencing behavioral problems at school. When assessing the adolescent?s thought processes, which of the following would the nurse need to keep in mind about this age group? Select all that apply.
- A. View of things in a concrete manner
- B. Ability to look at things hypothetically
- C. Beginning ability to use logic
- D. Ability to use abstract thinking
- E. Difficulty in putting feelings into words
Correct Answer: B,C,D,E
Rationale: Adolescents develop hypothetical thinking (B), logical reasoning (C), abstract thinking (D), and often struggle to verbalize feelings (E). Concrete thinking (A) is more typical of younger children.
Nokea