A nurse is caring for a client who is withdrawing from opioids. Which of the following medications would the nurse prepare to administer?

The correct answer is choice D: "If suspicion of abuse exists, then reporting is mandatory."

Choice A rationale:

If the potential abuser commits to stopping the abuse, healthcare workers are not required to report it. Rationale: This statement is incorrect. Healthcare workers are mandated reporters, and their primary responsibility is to protect the safety and well-being of the child. Regardless of whether the potential abuser commits to stopping the abuse, suspicion of abuse requires reporting.

Choice B rationale:

Evidence must exist before reporting. Rationale: This statement is incorrect. While concrete evidence can strengthen a case, it is not a prerequisite for reporting suspected child abuse. Reporting is based on reasonable suspicion, not proof. Healthcare workers should err on the side of caution and report any concerns.

Choice C rationale:

I don't want to defame someone if the report is false. Rationale: This statement is incorrect. Reporting suspected child abuse is not about defaming someone, but rather about ensuring the safety of the child. Reporting is a part of the legal and ethical obligations of healthcare workers to protect vulnerable individuals.

Choice D rationale:

If suspicion of abuse exists, then reporting is mandatory. Rationale: This statement is correct. Healthcare workers are mandated reporters and have a duty to report suspected child abuse to appropriate authorities. Reporting is necessary when there is reasonable suspicion, even if definitive evidence is not yet present.

The correct answers are: a. Delayed language development, c. Spinning a toy repetitively, and e. Ritualistic behavior.

Explanation:

Choice A Rationale: Delayed language development is a common characteristic of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children with ASD may exhibit difficulties in acquiring and using language appropriately, including delayed onset of speech, limited vocabulary, and challenges with syntax and pragmatics. This delay can significantly impact their ability to communicate effectively and engage in social interactions. Early intervention strategies, such as speech therapy and alternative communication methods, are often implemented to support language development in children with ASD.

Choice B Rationale: Consistent limit testing, characterized by challenging authority and testing boundaries, is not a hallmark feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While some children with ASD may exhibit behaviors that appear oppositional or defiant, such behaviors are more commonly associated with other conditions such as oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) or conduct disorder (CD). ASD is primarily characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction, along with restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.

Choice C Rationale: Spinning a toy repetitively is a stereotypical behavior often observed in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Repetitive behaviors, including spinning objects, rocking back and forth, or hand-flapping, are considered one of the core diagnostic criteria for ASD. These behaviors serve various functions for individuals with ASD, including sensory stimulation, self-soothing, or reducing anxiety. While repetitive behaviors can vary widely among individuals with ASD, they are a recognizable feature of the disorder.

Choice D Rationale: A short attention span is not a specific characteristic of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While some children with ASD may exhibit difficulties with attention and focus, particularly in tasks that do not align with their specific interests or preferences, attention deficits are not universal among individuals with ASD. Additionally, attention difficulties are not considered a primary diagnostic criterion for ASD. Other neurodevelopmental disorders, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), are more commonly associated with impairments in attention and concentration.

Choice E Rationale: Ritualistic behavior, such as engaging in specific routines or repetitive actions, is a hallmark feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children with ASD often demonstrate a preference for predictability and sameness in their environment, leading to the development of rigid routines or rituals. These behaviors can serve as a source of comfort or security for individuals with ASD, providing structure and predictability in an otherwise unpredictable world. Ritualistic behaviors can manifest in various forms, such as insisting on following the same daily schedule, arranging objects in a specific order, or becoming distressed when routines are disrupted.