Final answer:
The first step in evaluating a 6-year-old with intense eye-blinking and lip pursing is to consider a possible tic disorder and refer the child for a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional. The evaluation will gather information about the tics and their impact on daily functioning, and the healthcare professional will determine the best course of action.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first step in evaluating a 6-year-old with intense eye-blinking and lip pursing, which wax and wane and increase with stress, is to consider a possible tic disorder. Given the family history of tic disorders, it is important to rule out this possibility. The next step would be to refer the child to a healthcare professional, such as a pediatrician or child psychiatrist, who can conduct a comprehensive evaluation and provide a diagnosis.
During the evaluation, the healthcare professional will gather information about the frequency, duration, and severity of the tics, as well as any other associated symptoms. They may also consider potential triggers or exacerbating factors for the tics, such as stress. It is important for the healthcare professional to assess the impact of the tics on the child's daily functioning and well-being.
Based on the evaluation, the healthcare professional can then determine the most appropriate course of action, which may include monitoring the tics over time, providing supportive counseling, or considering interventions such as behavioral therapy or medication.