c16problemsofSCHOOL-AGE&ADOLESCENTS Flashcards
(41 cards)
Which statement is true about smoking in adolescence?
a. Smoking is related to other high-risk behaviors.
b. Smoking will not continue unless peer pressure continues.
c. Smoking is less common when the adolescent’s parent(s) smokes.
d. Smoking among adolescents is becoming more prevalent.
ANS: A
Cigarettes are considered a gateway drug. Teenagers who smoke are 11.4 times more likely to use an illicit drug. Teenagers begin smoking for a variety of reasons, such as imitation of adult behavior, peer pressure, imitation of behaviors portrayed in movies and advertisements, and a desire to control weight. The absence of peer pressure alone will not stop smoking. Teenagers who do not smoke usually have parents and friends who do not smoke or who oppose smoking. The percentage of young people who report current cigarette use and frequent cigarette use has declined significantly.
What is smokeless tobacco?
a. Not addicting
b. Proven to be carcinogenic
c. Easy to stop using
d. A safe alternative to cigarette smoking
ANS: B
Smokeless tobacco is a popular substitute for cigarettes and poses serious health hazards to children and adolescents. Smokeless tobacco is associated with cancer of the mouth and jaw. The nicotine in the smokeless tobacco is addicting, and therefore it is very difficult to quit. Because the product is addicting and can cause cancer, it is not a safe alternative to cigarette smoking.
A child has been diagnosed with enuresis. TCA imipramine (Tofranil) has been prescribed for the child. The nurse understands that this medication is in which category?
a. Antidepressant
b. Antidiuretic
c. Antispasmodic
d. Analgesic
ANS: C
Drug therapy is increasingly being prescribed to treat enuresis. Three types of drugs are used: tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), antidiuretics, and antispasmodics. The selection depends on the interpretation of the cause. The drug used most frequently is the TCA imipramine (Tofranil), which exerts an anticholinergic action in the bladder to inhibit urination. Tofranil is in the antispasmodic category. Analgesics are not used to treat enuresis.
A 12-year-old male has short stature because of a constitutional growth delay. What should the nurse be the most concerned about?
a. Proper administration of thyroid hormone
b. Proper administration of human growth hormones
c. Child’s self-esteem and sense of competence
d. Helping child understand that his height is most likely caused by chronic illness and is not his fault
ANS: C
Most cases of constitutional growth delay are caused by simple constitutional delay of puberty, and the child can be assured that normal development will eventually take place. Listening to distressed adolescents and conveying interest and concern are important interventions for these children and adolescents. They should be encouraged to focus on the positive aspects of their bodies and personalities. Thyroid hormones and human growth hormones would not be beneficial in a constitutional growth delay. A constitutional growth delay is not caused by a chronic illness.
An adolescent asks the nurse what causes primary dysmenorrhea. The nurse’s response should be based on which statement?
a. It is an inherited problem.
b. Excessive estrogen production causes uterine pain.
c. There is no physiologic cause; it is a psychological reaction.
d. There is a relation between prostaglandins and uterine contractility.
ANS: D
The exact etiology of primary dysmenorrhea is debated. Overproduction of uterine prostaglandins has been implicated, as has overproduction of vasopressin. Dysmenorrhea is not known to be inherited. Excessive estrogen has not been implicated in the etiology. It has a physiologic cause. Women with dysmenorrhea have higher prostaglandin levels.
An adolescent girl asks the school nurse for advice because she has dysmenorrhea. She says that a friend recommended she try an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The nurse’s response should be based on which statement?
a. Aspirin is the drug of choice for the treatment of dysmenorrhea.
b. Over-the-counter NSAIDs are rarely strong enough to provide adequate pain relief.
c. NSAIDs are effective because of their analgesic effect.
d. NSAIDs are effective because they inhibit prostaglandins, leading to reduction in uterine activity.
ANS: D
First-line therapy for adolescents with dysmenorrhea is NSAIDs. This group of drugs blocks the formation of prostaglandins. NSAIDs, not aspirin, are the drugs of choice in dysmenorrhea. NSAIDs are potent anti-inflammatory agents that inhibit prostaglandin. Although NSAIDs have analgesic effects, the mechanism of action in dysmenorrhea is most likely the antiprostaglandin effect.
A 14-year-old boy and his parents are concerned about bilateral breast enlargement. The nurse’s discussion of this should be based on which statement?
a. This is usually benign and temporary.
b. This is usually caused by Klinefelter syndrome.
c. Administration of estrogen effectively reduces gynecomastia.
d. Administration of testosterone effectively reduces gynecomastia.
ANS: A
The male breast responds to hormonal changes. Some degree of bilateral or unilateral breast enlargement occurs frequently in boys during puberty. Although individuals with Klinefelter syndrome can have gynecomastia, it is not a common cause for male breast enlargement. Estrogen is not a therapy for gynecomastia. Administration of testosterone has no benefit for gynecomastia and may aggravate the condition.
An adolescent tells the school nurse that she is pregnant. Her last menstrual period was 4 months ago. She has not received any medical care. She smokes but denies any other substance use. What is the priority nursing action?
a. Notify her parents
b. Refer for prenatal care
c. Explain the importance of not smoking
d. Discuss dietary needs for adequate fetal growth
ANS: B
Teenage girls and their unborn children are at greater risk for complications during pregnancy and delivery. With improved therapies, the mortality for teenage pregnancy is decreasing, but the morbidity is high. A pregnant teenager needs careful assessment by the nurse to determine the level of social support available to her and possibly her partner. Guidance from the adults in her life would be invaluable, but confidentiality should be maintained. Although it is important to explain the importance of not smoking and to discuss dietary needs for adequate fetal growth, because of her potential for having a high-risk pregnancy, she will need a comprehensive prenatal program to minimize maternal-fetal complications.
An adolescent girl calls the nurse at the clinic because she had unprotected sex the night before and does not want to be pregnant. What should the nurse explain to the girl?
a. It is too late to prevent an unwanted pregnancy
b. An abortion may be the best option if she is pregnant
c. Norplant can be administered to prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years
d. Postcoital contraception is available to prevent implantation
ANS: D
Several emergency methods of contraception are available. Postcoital contraception options do exist. It is nontherapeutic to tell her it is too late or that an abortion is the best option. Norplant is not a postcoital contraceptive.
A sexually active female adolescent asks the nurse about the contraceptive Depo-Provera. What should the nurse explain regarding the contraceptive?
a. Requires injections every 3 months
b. Requires daily administration of medication by mouth
c. Provides long-term continuous protection, up to 5 years
d. Prevents pregnancy if given within 72 hours of unprotected sex
ANS: A
The contraceptive Depo-Provera is administered by injection every 3 months. Oral contraceptives, not Depo-Provera, require daily administration of medication by mouth. Norplant, not Depo-Provera, provides long-term continuous protection for up to 5 years. Postcoital contraception, not Depo-Provera, prevents pregnancy if given within 72 hours of unprotected sex.
Which statement is true about gonorrhea?
a. It is caused by Treponema pallidum.
b. Treatment is by multidose administration of penicillin.
c. Treatment is by topical applications to lesions.
d. Treatment of all sexual contacts is an essential part of treatment.
ANS: D
The treatment plan should include finding and treating all sexual partners. Gonorrhea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Syphilis is caused by T. pallidum. Primary treatment is with different antibiotics because of N. gonorrhoeae resistance to penicillin. Systemic therapy is necessary to treat this disease.
Which statement regarding chlamydia infection is correct?
a. Treatment of choice is oral penicillin.
b. Treatment of choice is nystatin or miconazole.
c. Clinical manifestations include dysuria and urethral itching in males.
d. Clinical manifestations include small, painful vesicles on genital areas.
ANS: C
Symptoms of chlamydia infection in males include meatal erythema, tenderness, itching, dysuria, and urethral discharge. Some infected males have no symptoms. Oral penicillin and nystatin or miconazole are not the antibiotics of choice. Small, painful vesicles on genital areas are clinical manifestations true of chlamydia infection but may also indicate herpetic lesions.
A nurse is conducting a class for adolescent girls about pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Why should the nurse emphasize the importance of preventing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)?
a. PID can be sexually transmitted.
b. PID cannot be treated.
c. PID can have devastating effects on the reproductive tract.
d. PID can cause serious defects in future children of affected adolescents.
ANS: C
PID is a major concern because of its devastating effects on the reproductive tract. Short-term complications include abscess formation in the fallopian tubes, whereas long-term complications include ectopic pregnancy, infertility, and dyspareunia. PID is an infection of the upper female genital tract, most commonly caused by sexually transmitted infections but it is not sexually transmitted to another person. PID can be treated by treating the underlying cause. There is a possibility of ectopic pregnancy but not birth defects in children.
Which statement is correct about childhood obesity?
a. Heredity is an important factor in the development of obesity.
b. Childhood obesity in the United States is decreasing.
c. Childhood obesity is the result of inactivity.
d. Childhood obesity can be attributed to an underlying disease in most cases.
ANS: A
Heredity is an important fact that contributes to obesity. Identical twins reared apart tend to resemble their biologic parents to a greater extent than their adoptive parents. It is difficult to distinguish between hereditary and environmental factors. The number of overweight children is increasing in the United States. Inactivity is related to childhood obesity, but it is not the only component. Underlying diseases such as hypothyroidism and hyperinsulinism account for only a small number of cases of childhood obesity.
What is a psychological effect of being obese during adolescence?
a. Sexual promiscuity
b. Poor body image
c. Feelings of contempt for thin peers
d. Accurate body image but self-deprecating attitude
ANS: B
Common emotional consequences of obesity include poor body image, low self-esteem, social isolation, and feelings of depression and isolation. Sexual promiscuity, feelings of contempt for thin peers, and accurate body image but self-deprecating attitude are not usually associated with obesity.
What is the best description of anorexia nervosa?
a. Occurs most frequently in adolescent males
b. Occurs most frequently in adolescents from lower socioeconomic groups
c. Results from a posterior pituitary disorder
d. Results in severe weight loss in the absence of obvious physical causes
ANS: D
The etiology of anorexia remains unclear, but a distinct psychological component is present. The diagnosis is based primarily on psychological and behavioral criteria. Females account for 90% to 95% of the cases. No relation has been identified between socioeconomic groups and anorexia. Posterior pituitary disorders are not associated with anorexia nervosa.
How are young people with anorexia nervosa often described?
a. Independent
b. Disruptive
c. Conforming
d. Low achieving
ANS: C
Individuals with anorexia nervosa are described as perfectionist, academically high achievers, conforming, and conscientious. “Independent,” disruptive,” and “low achieving” are not part of the behavioral characteristics of anorexia nervosa.
What usually triggers the weight loss of anorexia nervosa?
a. Sexual abuse
b. School failure
c. Independence from family
d. Traumatic interpersonal conflict
ANS: D
Weight loss may be triggered by a typical adolescent crisis such as the onset of menstruation or a traumatic interpersonal incident; situations of severe family stress, such as parental separation or divorce; or circumstances in which the young person lacks personal control, such as being teased, changing schools, or entering college. “Sexual abuse,” “school failure,” and “independence from family” are not part of the behavioral characteristics of anorexia nervosa.
Which symptoms should the nurse expect to observe during the physical assessment of an adolescent girl with severe weight loss and disrupted metabolism associated with anorexia nervosa?
a. Dysmenorrhea and oliguria
b. Tachycardia and tachypnea
c. Heat intolerance and increased blood pressure
d. Lowered body temperature and brittle nails
ANS: D
Symptoms of anorexia nervosa include lower body temperature, severe weight loss, decreased blood pressure, dry skin, brittle nails, altered metabolic activity, and presence of lanugo hair. Amenorrhea, rather than dysmenorrhea, and cold intolerance are manifestations of anorexia nervosa. Bradycardia, rather than tachycardia, may be present.
Which is descriptive of bulimia during adolescence?
a. Strong sense of control over eating behavior
b. Feelings of elation after the binge-purge cycle
c. Profound lack of awareness that the eating pattern is abnormal
d. Weight that can be normal, slightly above normal, or below normal
ANS: B
ADHD affects every aspect of the child’s life, but the disruption is most obvious in the classroom. The behaviors exhibited by the child with ADHD are not unusual aspects of behavior. The difference lies in the quality of motor activity and developmentally inappropriate inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity that the child displays. Some children experience decreased symptoms during late adolescence and adulthood, but a significant number carry their symptoms into adulthood. Any given child will not have every symptom of the condition. The manifestations may be numerous or few, mild or severe, and will vary with the child’s developmental level.
An adolescent teen has bulimia. Which assessment finding should the nurse expect to assess?
a. Diarrhea
b. Amenorrhea
c. Cold intolerance
d. Erosion of tooth enamel
ANS: D
Some of the signs of bulimia include erosion of tooth enamel, increased dental caries from vomited gastric acid, throat complaints, fluid and electrolyte disturbances, and abdominal complaints from laxative abuse. Diarrhea is not a result of the vomiting. It may occur in patients with bulimia who also abuse laxatives. Amenorrhea and cold intolerance are characteristics of anorexia nervosa, which some bulimics have. These symptoms are related to the extreme low weight.
Which is descriptive of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
a. Manifestations exhibited are so bizarre that the diagnosis is fairly easy.
b. Manifestations affect every aspect of the child’s life but are most obvious in the classroom.
c. Learning disabilities associated with ADHD eventually disappear when adulthood is reached.
d. Diagnosis of ADHD requires that all manifestations of the disorder be present.
ANS: B
ADHD affects every aspect of the child’s life, but the disruption is most obvious in the classroom. The behaviors exhibited by the child with ADHD are not unusual aspects of behavior. The difference lies in the quality of motor activity and developmentally inappropriate inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity that the child displays. Some children experience decreased symptoms during late adolescence and adulthood, but a significant number carry their symptoms into adulthood. Any given child will not have every symptom of the condition. The manifestations may be numerous or few, mild or severe, and will vary with the child’s developmental level.
The nurse is teaching the parents of a child recently diagnosed with ADHD who has been prescribed methylphenidate (Ritalin). Which should the nurse include in teaching about the side effects of methylphenidate?
a. “Your child may experience a sense of nervousness.”
b. “You may see an increase in your child’s appetite.”
c. “Your child may experience daytime sleepiness.”
d. “You may see a decrease in your child’s blood pressure.”
ANS: A
Nervousness is one of the common side effects of Ritalin. Decreased appetite with subsequent weight loss, insomnia, and increased blood pressure are other common side effects.
Which is an important consideration when the nurse is discussing enuresis with the parents of a young child?
a. Enuresis is more common in girls than in boys.
b. Enuresis is neither inherited nor has a familial tendency.
c. Organic causes that may be related to enuresis should be considered first.
d. Psychogenic factors that cause enuresis persist into adulthood.
ANS: C
Organic causes that may be related to enuresis should be ruled out before psychogenic factors are considered. Enuresis is more common in boys than in girls and has a strong familial tendency. Psychogenic factors may influence enuresis, but it is doubtful that they are causative.