NRNP 6665 ADVANCED PSYCHIATRIC
MENTAL HEALTH NURSING CARE OF
THE CHILD AND ADOLESCENT EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which of the following medications is FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD in children
as young as 3 years of age?
A. Methylphenidate
B. Dextroamphetamine
C. Atomoxetine
D. Guanfacine
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: While many stimulants are approved for ages 6 and older,
dextroamphetamine is specifically FDA-approved for children starting at age 3 for the
treatment of ADHD.
,2. A 14-year-old patient presents with a history of persistent irritability and frequent episodes
of extreme behavioral dyscontrol occurring at least three times a week. Which diagnosis is
most appropriate?
A. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
B. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
C. Bipolar I Disorder
D. Conduct Disorder
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: DMDD is characterized by chronic, severe persistent irritability
and frequent temper outbursts in children, often used to distinguish from pediatric bipolar
disorder.
3. When assessing a child for Autism Spectrum Disorder, which ‘triad’ of deficits was
traditionally used to identify the core symptoms?
A. Inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity
B. Social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors
C. Mood swings, aggression, and anxiety
D. Reading, writing, and arithmetic skills
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: ASD is fundamentally defined by deficits in social
communication and social interaction, along with restricted, repetitive patterns of
behavior, interests, or activities.
4. According to Piaget, a child who can understand the concept of conservation (e.g., volume
stays the same in different shaped containers) is in which stage?
A. Concrete Operational
B. Preoperational
C. Sensorimotor
D. Formal Operational
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The Concrete Operational stage (ages 7-11) is characterized by
the development of logical thought, including the principle of conservation.
5. What is the black box warning associated with the use of SSRIs in children, adolescents,
and young adults?
A. Increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias
B. Risk of permanent growth retardation
C. Risk of hepatotoxicity
D. Increased risk of suicidal ideation and behavior
Answer: D
MENTAL HEALTH NURSING CARE OF
THE CHILD AND ADOLESCENT EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which of the following medications is FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD in children
as young as 3 years of age?
A. Methylphenidate
B. Dextroamphetamine
C. Atomoxetine
D. Guanfacine
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: While many stimulants are approved for ages 6 and older,
dextroamphetamine is specifically FDA-approved for children starting at age 3 for the
treatment of ADHD.
,2. A 14-year-old patient presents with a history of persistent irritability and frequent episodes
of extreme behavioral dyscontrol occurring at least three times a week. Which diagnosis is
most appropriate?
A. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
B. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
C. Bipolar I Disorder
D. Conduct Disorder
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: DMDD is characterized by chronic, severe persistent irritability
and frequent temper outbursts in children, often used to distinguish from pediatric bipolar
disorder.
3. When assessing a child for Autism Spectrum Disorder, which ‘triad’ of deficits was
traditionally used to identify the core symptoms?
A. Inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity
B. Social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors
C. Mood swings, aggression, and anxiety
D. Reading, writing, and arithmetic skills
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: ASD is fundamentally defined by deficits in social
communication and social interaction, along with restricted, repetitive patterns of
behavior, interests, or activities.
4. According to Piaget, a child who can understand the concept of conservation (e.g., volume
stays the same in different shaped containers) is in which stage?
A. Concrete Operational
B. Preoperational
C. Sensorimotor
D. Formal Operational
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The Concrete Operational stage (ages 7-11) is characterized by
the development of logical thought, including the principle of conservation.
5. What is the black box warning associated with the use of SSRIs in children, adolescents,
and young adults?
A. Increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias
B. Risk of permanent growth retardation
C. Risk of hepatotoxicity
D. Increased risk of suicidal ideation and behavior
Answer: D
