Question

The nurse is working with the parents and their 14-year-old adolescent with a new

diagnosis of a conduct disorder. The parents are exhausted as the child has threatened to
stab the parents, and they are not getting any sleep. Which would be the initial
intervention?
Contacting the health care provider
Developing a behavioral contract
O Establishing boundaries and rules
Instructing on a home safety program

Answer 1

The initial intervention for parents of an adolescent with conduct disorder should be to establish boundaries and rules, providing structure and immediate safety within the home. Setting boundaries is a critical first step before considering behavioral contracts or contacting healthcare providers.

Step-by-step explanation:

The initial intervention for parents managing their 14-year-old adolescent with a new diagnosis of conduct disorder should be establishing boundaries and rules.

This approach provides immediate structure and expectations within the home and begins to address the disruptive behaviors in a strategic way.

Additionally, ensuring that there is a safe environment for everyone involved is critical. Establishing boundaries early on can also lay the groundwork for more advanced strategies such as developing a behavioral contract and creating a personalized home safety program.

Contacting the healthcare provider is also important, but as an initial, immediate intervention, setting boundaries is a paramount first step.