A nurse reviews notes for a school-age child from the child's schoolteacher. The teacher reports that the student cannot focus, has a short attention span, and has had consistently low grades for 6 months. Which of the following problems should the nurse suspect?
Lack of mentoring
Transportation challenges
Unhealthy family relationships
Food insecurity
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Lack of mentoring
Lack of mentoring can affect a child's academic performance, but it is less likely to be the primary cause of a short attention span and inability to focus. Mentoring programs can help improve academic outcomes by providing guidance, support, and motivation. However, the symptoms described—short attention span and inability to focus—are more directly linked to other underlying issues.
Choice B reason: Transportation challenges
Transportation challenges can lead to increased absenteeism and lower academic performance. However, they are not typically associated with a short attention span or inability to focus. While transportation issues can cause stress and fatigue, they do not directly impact a child's cognitive abilities in the same way that other factors might.
Choice C reason: Unhealthy family relationships
Unhealthy family relationships can significantly impact a child's emotional and psychological well-being, which in turn can affect their academic performance. Children from families with poor communication, high conflict, or lack of support may struggle with concentration and focus. However, the primary symptoms described—short attention span and inability to focus—are more commonly associated with other specific issues.
Choice D reason: Food insecurity
Food insecurity is directly linked to cognitive and behavioral issues in children. Lack of adequate nutrition can lead to difficulties in concentration, short attention span, and overall poor academic performance. Children who do not have reliable access to nutritious food are more likely to experience fatigue, irritability, and difficulty focusing, which aligns with the symptoms described in the scenario.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: Make a Report to Child Protective Services (CPS)
This is the correct action for the nurse to take. Nurses are mandated reporters, meaning they are legally required to report any suspected cases of child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities. Child Protective Services (CPS) is the agency responsible for investigating reports of child abuse and ensuring the safety and well-being of children. Reporting to CPS ensures that the case is handled by professionals trained to investigate and intervene in such situations.
Choice B: Call the Police and Report the Suspected Abuse
While calling the police may seem like a logical step, it is not the primary action a nurse should take in this situation. The police may become involved later in the process, especially if there is an immediate threat to the child's safety. However, the initial report should be made to CPS, as they are the designated agency for handling child abuse cases.
Choice C: Call the Child's Guardian to Have the Child's Pediatrician Confirm the Suspected Abuse
This action is not appropriate because it could potentially place the child in further danger. If the guardian is the abuser, notifying them could lead to retaliation against the child or attempts to cover up the abuse. Additionally, it is not the role of the pediatrician to confirm abuse; this is the responsibility of CPS and law enforcement.
Choice D: Alert the School Principal of the Situation
While it is important to keep school officials informed, the nurse's primary responsibility is to report the suspected abuse to CPS. The school principal can be informed after the report has been made, but the immediate priority is to ensure the child's safety by contacting the appropriate authorities.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Health Care Illiteracy
Health care illiteracy refers to a lack of understanding about health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions. While this is an important issue, it is not the immediate priority in this scenario. The client's report of skipping meals indicates an urgent need for addressing food insecurity, which directly impacts their health and well-being.
Choice B: Food Access
This is the correct choice. Food access is a critical issue because it directly affects the client's nutritional status and overall health. Skipping meals due to financial constraints can lead to malnutrition, weakened immune function, and delayed recovery from cellulitis. Ensuring the client has access to adequate and nutritious food is essential for their immediate health needs and recovery.
Choice C: Economic Stability
Economic stability is important for long-term health and well-being, but it is not the most immediate concern in this scenario. Addressing food access will have a more direct and immediate impact on the client's health. Once the client's nutritional needs are met, the nurse can then work on connecting the client with resources to improve their economic stability.
Choice D: Quality of Education
Quality of education is a significant factor in overall health and socioeconomic status, but it is not the immediate priority in this case. The client's immediate health needs, particularly their access to food, should be addressed first. Education can be part of a longer-term plan to improve the client's economic stability and health literacy.
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