Managing Children’s Behaviors and ASD Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus when managing behaviors in children?

Focus on strengths, not just weaknesses.

What are Stimulant Medications used for?

To treat ADD/ADHD.

Which of the following are examples of Stimulant Medications for ADD/ADHD? (Select all that apply)

Dextroamphetamine (correct)

Lisdexamfetamine (correct)

Atomoxetine

Methylphenidate (correct)

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

A complex neurodevelopmental disorder affecting communication and social interaction. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key indicators of ASD? (Select one)

Inability to make eye contact Signup and view all the answers

What is one expected finding in a child with ASD?

Lack of eye contact. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of nursing care for children with ASD?

Achieve optimal functioning with the limitations of the disorder Signup and view all the answers

A child with ADHD needs to be in a learning/classroom setting with a plan of study that is ___ each day.

followed Signup and view all the answers

What type of play is typically absent in children with ASD before age 3?

Imaginative play Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided to prevent overstimulation in children with ASD?

Caffeine. Signup and view all the answers

What is Pediatric Mental Health?

The study of children's mental well-being and coping abilities Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of children suffers from mental health disorders?

20% Signup and view all the answers

What factors can make detecting depression and anxiety in children difficult?

Developmental issues, limitations in expressing feelings, feelings of shame, parent's lack of awareness. Signup and view all the answers

Children with __________ need both therapy and medication.

depression and anxiety Signup and view all the answers

Which is a potential risk factor for depression in children?

Traumatic events Signup and view all the answers

What is an effective medication management strategy for children with depression?

SSRIs and therapeutic combinations Signup and view all the answers

All children with mental disorders receive proper treatment.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is required for children or adolescents to be diagnosed with major depressive disorder?

Symptoms must be present for one year. Signup and view all the answers

Treatment for anorexia nervosa may require __________.

inpatient hospitalization Signup and view all the answers

Which characterizes Bulimia?

Normal food intake followed by binging and purging Signup and view all the answers

Match the abuse type with its respective signs:

Physical Abuse = Bruises and welts in various healing stages Emotional Abuse = Failure to thrive and withdrawal Sexual Abuse = Bleeding of genital areas or STIs Neglect = Frequent injuries and lack of hygiene Signup and view all the answers

Which run of symptoms can be associated with Shaken Baby Syndrome?

Poor feeding and respiratory distress Signup and view all the answers

Mandatory reporting laws apply only to healthcare professionals.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder of childhood?

ADD/ADHD Signup and view all the answers

What are important characteristics of ADD/ADHD?

Inattention, impulsivity, distractibility, and hyperactivity. Signup and view all the answers

Children with a learning disability may have difficulty mastering __________ skills.

basic academic Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pediatric Mental Health

Stress during neuron development can lead to decreased coping abilities in the future.
Maladaptive behaviors in children often arise from life experiences.

Mental Health Disorders in Children

Approximately 20% of children experience mental health disorders; only about 2% receive treatment.
Symptoms of depression and anxiety can be hard to detect due to children's inability to express feelings, parental unawareness, and stigma around mental disorders.

Nursing Assessment of Depression and Anxiety

Signs can include flat affect, withdrawal from activities, fatigue, crying, weight loss, insomnia, and suicidal ideation.
Check for gastrointestinal issues as they can indicate underlying emotional distress.

Nursing Care Strategies

Create individualized care plans.
Interview children and parents, and assess for trauma, substance use, and bullying.
Encourage coping strategies and provide both therapy and medication management.

Medication Management

FDA-approved medications for managing depression and anxiety in children include tricyclic antidepressants and SSRIs (e.g., Zoloft, Lexapro).
Monitor for adverse effects and educate families about medication efficacy timelines.

PTSD in Children

PTSD can arise after traumatic events like abuse or witnessing violence.
Treatment often involves psychotherapy and medication due to the heightened risk of suicide in affected children.

Eating Disorders: Anorexia and Bulimia

Anorexia involves significant weight loss due to reduced food intake and excessive exercise.
Bulimia consists of cycles of binging and purging, often maintaining a normal weight.
Both disorders require psychotherapy for effective management.

Nursing Assessment of Eating Disorders

Key health history indicators include family history, secondary amenorrhea, and presence of physical symptoms.
Behavioral signs may include low self-esteem and perfectionism, while physical assessments focus on BMI and other health metrics.

Management of Eating Disorders

Most cases can be managed on an outpatient basis; however, hospitalization may be needed for severe cases.
Support and gradual reintroduction of food are crucial to avoid refeeding syndrome.

Child Maltreatment

Includes physical, sexual, emotional abuse, and neglect, occurring across all demographics.
Early signs of maltreatment may include developmental delays and behavioral issues.

Warning Signs of Abuse

Indicators include inconsistencies in caregiver reports, injuries not matching explanations, and unexplained bruising in non-mobile children.

Nursing Assessment of Malpractice

Comprehensive health history is crucial to identify inconsistencies and red flags that may signify abuse.
Documenting findings is critical, as records may be needed for legal proceedings.

Bullying

Defined as repetitive physical, verbal, or emotional abuse aimed at establishing dominance.
Assessing both perpetrators and victims focuses on behavioral patterns and psychosocial factors.

Cognitive Impairment

Approximately 10% of children have learning disabilities, often exacerbated by chronic illnesses.

Learning Disabilities

Characterized by difficulties in basic academic skills despite average intelligence.
Early indicators can include difficulties with reading, writing, and managing tasks.

Attention Deficit Disorders

ADD/ADHD diagnosis requires observation of symptoms such as inattention and impulsivity, needing to start assessment as early as age 4.
Diversified symptoms include fidgeting, forgetfulness, and academic challenges.

Management of ADD/ADHD

Education about effective behavioral strategies and medication is key to supporting affected children.
Stimulant medications like Ritalin and Adderall are commonly prescribed; dietary considerations such as caffeine intake must be managed.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Complex neurodevelopmental disorders significantly affecting social communication and behavior.
Early signs often become apparent by age 1, though diagnosis typically occurs between 18 months and 3 years.

Importance of Early Intervention

Early detection and intervention in mental health and neurological disorders are crucial for effective management and improvement of outcomes in children.### Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Sensory issues can exist independently of autism; quirks alone do not indicate ASD.
Autism is diagnosed when sensory issues impact social and developmental abilities.

ASD Screening

All infants and toddlers should be screened for signs of autism.
Warning signs include:
- No babbling by 12 months.
- No pointing or gestures by 12 months.
- No single words by 16 months.
- No two-word phrases by 24 months.
- Loss of language or social skills at any age.

Findings Associated with ASD

Four major dysfunction areas include:
- Impaired social interactions and communication; challenges with understanding social cues.
- Presence of repetitive or stereotypical behaviors.
- Difficulty forming interpersonal relationships leading to social isolation.
- A range of intellectual ability from intellectual disability to giftedness.

Expected Findings in a Child with ASD

No imaginative play by age 3 due to a lack of advanced social skills.
High levels of distress when routines change, necessitating structured environments.
Abnormal attachment to inanimate objects.
Limited conversation skills and preference for gestures over words.
Delayed language development, with only five words by 18 months for both receptive and expressive communication.
Passive behaviors such as grunting or humming, lack of eye contact, and improper self-references.
Social withdrawal and decreased empathy due to limited social engagement.
Altered pain sensation and a tendency for solitary activities rather than interactive play.
Common behaviors include intense temper tantrums, aggression, repetitive movements, and a typical IQ under 70.

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

SPD is a neurological disorder affecting sensory organization.
Children may experience hyposensitivity or hypersensitivity to sensory inputs, impacting participation in daily life.
Preterm and low birth weight infants are particularly at risk.
Occupational and oral therapies can enhance coping abilities.

Nursing Care of ASD

Essential nursing roles include:
- Using screening tools effectively.
- Providing strong emotional support to families facing ongoing challenges related to ASD.
- There is no cure; the primary goal is to facilitate optimal functioning within the limits of the disorder.
- Encourage structured environments at home and school.
- Gradually expose children to new situations while managing sensory stimuli.
- Support nutritional needs and promote age-appropriate play.
- Communicate using simple, concrete language.

Behavior Modification Strategies

Focus on promoting positive reinforcement instead of punishment.
Enhance social awareness and encourage the social smile.
Teach verbal communication in context.
Structure activities to provide small, attainable goals for children to achieve.
Establish clear rules to guide behavior.

Key Considerations

Lunch routines for children with ASD may benefit from structured, repetitive movements.
Impulsiveness may manifest as sudden, unpermitted movements in the classroom.
Children with ADHD require consistent plans and routines in educational settings for effective learning.

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Description

This quiz explores key concepts related to managing behaviors in children, including the use of stimulant medications for ADD/ADHD and the characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Test your understanding of medication examples, indicators of ASD, and expected findings in children diagnosed with ASD. Perfect for educators and parents alike.