Test Bank for Essentials of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Communication Approach to Evidence-Based Care, 4e 4th Edition - Children and Adolescents Related

Review Test Bank for Essentials of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Communication Approach to Evidence-Based Care, 4e 4th Edition - Children and Adolescents related questions and content

An 11-year-old child, who has been diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), becomes angry over the rules at a residential treatment program and begins shouting at the nurse. What is the best method to defuse the situation?

  • A. Assign the child to a short time-out.
  • B. Administer an antipsychotic medication.
  • C. Place the child in a therapeutic hold.
  • D. Call a staff member to seclude the child.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Time-out is a useful strategy for interrupting the angry expression of feelings and allows the child an opportunity to exert self-control. This method is the least restrictive alternative of those listed and should be tried before resorting to more restrictive measures.