Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition - Mental Health Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence Related

Review Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition - Mental Health Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence related questions and content

The nurse is caring for a 3½-year-old child with autism who has been hospitalized. The child rocks continuously without any danger present to the child?s safety. Which intervention by the nurse would be most appropriate?

  • A. Continue to monitor the child?s behaviors.
  • B. Hold the child until the child stops rocking.
  • C. Ignore the child?s rocking behavior.
  • D. Place the child in a time out area until the rocking stops.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rocking is a common self-soothing behavior in children with autism and is not harmful in this context. Ignoring the behavior (option C) is most appropriate, as it avoids reinforcing or escalating the behavior while ensuring safety. Option A is passive and less specific. Options B and D could distress the child and are inappropriate for non-harmful behaviors.