Pharmacology
First-line medication class for pediatric anxiety and depression.
What are SSRIs?
A child says, “No one likes me.” Best response:
“Tell me more about how you’re feeling”?
This is the highest priority risk in adolescents with depression.
What is suicide?
First intervention when a child expresses suicidal thoughts.
What is assess safety and suicidal intent?
This disorder includes inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
What is ADHD?
This medication class increases dopamine and norepinephrine to treat ADHD.
What are stimulants?
A child with anxiety refuses to speak in class. This communication technique is best:
What is use of calm, supportive presence without pressure?
Children with ADHD are at increased risk for this due to impulsivity.
What is injury?
A child with ADHD struggles in school. Best intervention:
What is structured routine and behavioral strategies?
This disorder presents with repetitive behaviors and impaired social interaction.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
A child on risperidone develops weight gain and hyperglycemia. This complication is:
What is metabolic syndrome?
A parent is frustrated with a child’s ADHD behavior. Best nursing response:
What is provide education and validate feelings?
This childhood experience increases lifelong mental and physical illness risk.
What is trauma/ACE exposure?
A child with autism becomes overwhelmed in a noisy environment. Intervention:
What is reduce stimuli and provide calm environment?
Depression in children often presents as this instead of sadness.
What is irritability?
A teen on fluoxetine becomes more energetic but still depressed. Priority concern:
What is increased suicide risk?
A child with autism avoids eye contact and does not respond verbally. Best approach:
What is use simple, clear, concrete communication?
A child with autism becomes distressed with routine changes. Risk:
What is behavioral escalation/aggression?
A child with separation anxiety refuses school. Nursing action:
What is gradual exposure and reassurance?
This disorder includes defiance, anger, and arguing with authority.
What is Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)?
A child on antipsychotics develops fever, rigidity, and altered LOC. First action:
What is stop medication and treat for NMS
A suicidal adolescent says, “I don’t want to be here anymore.” Best response:
What is directly assess suicidal intent?
A child eating nonfood items is at risk for this life-threatening complication.
What is toxicity or GI obstruction (pica)
A child shows signs of abuse. Priority action:
What is report and ensure safety?
This disorder involves persistent fear of separation from caregivers.
What is Separation Anxiety Disorder?