Question

A nurse in a pediatric clinic is caring for a preschool-age child who has a new diagnosis of ADHD. When teaching the parent about this disorder, which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. "Behaviors associated with ADHD are present prior to age 3."
B. "This disorder is characterized by argumentativeness."
C. "Below-average intellectual functioning is associated with ADHD."
D. "Because of this disorder, your child is at increased risk for injury."

Answer 1

The nurse should inform the parent that due to ADHD, their preschool-age child is at increased risk for injury. ADHD is characterized by difficulties in attention and impulse control, which can lead to a higher tendency for accidents, not by argumentativeness or below-average intellectual functioning.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a nurse in a pediatric clinic is providing education to a parent about their preschool-age child's new diagnosis of ADHD, it's important to present accurate information. Answering the question regarding what the nurse should include in the teaching, the correct statement is D. "Because of this disorder, your child is at increased risk for injury." ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulty maintaining attention, executive functioning difficulties, impulsivity, and hyperactivity that exceeds what is typical for a child's developmental stage. Behaviors associated with ADHD are not necessarily present before age 3, and the disorder is not specifically characterized by argumentativeness. While individuals with ADHD may experience comorbid conditions such as depression or OCD, ADHD itself is not synonymous with below-average intellectual functioning. Understanding that children with ADHD are at increased risk for injury is vital. Due to difficulties in maintaining attention and controlling impulses, these children may be more prone to accidents. Knowledge of this predisposition can help parents and caregivers take targeted steps to safeguard their children.