Question

A nurse is caring for a school-age child.

Exhibit 1: First visit:
A child is brought to the clinic accompanied by guardians. The guardians have received feedback from the child's teacher that the child has become disinterested in schoolwork and has difficulty paying attention during class. The child often loses their school supplies.
The guardians report that the child demonstrates these behaviors at home as well. The child refuses to participate in household chores, keeps their room untidy, does not clean up when told to, and is generally careless and disinterested.
On assessing, the child is found to be talkative, restless, and easily distracted.
2 weeks later:
The child's guardians report that the child seems to be doing better at school. The child is improving at paying attention during class and completing assignments on time.
Exhibit 2: Vital Signs
First visit:
Blood pressure 94/56 mm Hg
Heart rate 90/min
Respiratory rate 24/min
Temperature 37.2° C (99° F)
SaO2 99% on room air
2 weeks later:
Blood pressure 98/60 mm Hg
Heart rate 88/min
Respiratory rate 22/min
Temperature 37° C (98.6° F)
SaO2 99% on room air
Exhibit 3: Provider Prescription
Atomoxetine 10 mg PO daily with breakfast for 5 days, then increase dose to 18 mg PO daily with breakfast
Which of the following are consistent with ADHD and ID?
A. Improved attention in school
B. Disinterest in household chores
C. Timely completion of assignments
D. Improved tidiness in the room

Answer 1

The student’s behaviors such as inattention, disinterest in chores, and difficulty in completing tasks are indicative of ADHD, which is consistent with the improvements observed after the medication Atomoxetine was prescribed.

Step-by-step explanation:

The behaviors and symptoms described are consistent with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which include difficulties such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The child initially showed signs of inattention and disinterest both in school and at home, which is characteristic of ADHD. After treatment with Atomoxetine, which is a medication used to treat ADHD, the child showed an improvement in attention and completion of assignments, symptoms that the medication aims to address.

Answers consistent with ADHD in this scenario are:

• Improved attention in school
• Disinterest in household chores
• Timely completion of assignments
• Improved tidiness in the room was not specifically mentioned as an outcome of the medication intervention, but can potentially be seen as a symptom of ADHD.