Author Question: A parent is concerned that her 16-year-old is spending most of his time away from the family in his ... (Read 29 times)

rayancarla1 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A parent is concerned that her 16-year-old is spending most of his time away from the family in his room and does not want to be involved in family activities he used to enjoy. What action by the nurse is best?

a. Reassure the parent the teen is exerting independence.
b. Ask the parent about the teen's friends and activities.
c. Assess the teen for depression and possible suicide risk.
d. Refer the family to the community depression support group.

Question 2

A school-aged child is scheduled for a minor procedure and is very nervous. What response by the nurse is best?

a. Reassure the child the procedure is too minor to worry about.
b. Read the child a pamphlet about what to expect during the procedure.
c. Tell the child you will have the provider put her to sleep during the procedure.
d. Explain the procedure and what to expect in simple terms.

meryzewe · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Teens typically begin to withdraw from the family in order to maintain privacy and exert independence, so this alone is not concerning. However, since the teen is not participating in activities he once enjoyed, the nurse should conduct a depression assessment. If the teen is depressed, the nurse should assess his suicide risk. If these screenings are normal, the nurse can reassure the parent. The teen himself is the best source of information about friends and activities, although the parent can be a good secondary source. A referral is not warranted without further assessment.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
School-aged children benefit from simple explanations they can understand. Just telling the child not to worry is dismissive of the child's concerns. A school-aged child may not be able to read and/or understand a written pamphlet. Using phrases such as put you to sleep should be avoided since they can be misinterpreted.