A mother brings her child to the clinic requesting a selective ...

[nenivikky]

A mother brings her child to the clinic requesting a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) to help treat her daughter's posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Which rationale will the nurse use when responding to the child's mother?
 
  A.
  Children have too many side effects from SSRIs.
  B.
  Research shows that treating specific symptoms is better.
  C.
  SSRIs have a long history of successful use in PTSD.
  D.
  This classification of drugs has rarely been used in PTSD.

Question 2

The pediatric nurse is assessing a child who complains of a stomach ache. This is the child's fourth visit to the clinic for the same problem, and there has not been a diagnosis yet. What action by the nurse is best?
 
  A.
  Ask about child's functioning and development.
  B.
  Instruct the mother not to keep the child home from school.
  C.
  Obtain a thorough family history from the mother.
  D.
  Perform an abdominal exam and document findings.

[blfontai]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Although SSRIs have long been used as first-line treatment for PTSD, there is scant evidence supporting this practice. Research supports treating specific symptoms as they arise.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Children with anxiety often present with somatic complaints that do not have a physical cause. The nurse should inquire about the symptoms characteristic of all anxiety disorders, including impaired function or development related to anxiety. The nurse should not just instruct the mother to send the child to school, as this is not a helpful strategy in alleviating the problem. A thorough history is important, but most likely would have already been done in prior visits. Performing and documenting an abdominal exam are both important, but again will not provide specific assistance in this situation.

[nenivikky]

Thank you

[blfontai]

Happy to help you