Question

Which behavioral approach should a nurse utilize when caring for children diagnosed with disruptive behavior disorders?

1) Involving parents in designing and implementing the treatment process
2) Reinforcing positive actions to encourage repetition of desired behaviors
3) Providing opportunities to learn appropriate peer interactions
4) Administering psychotropic medications to improve quality of life

Answer 1

A nurse should use a comprehensive behavioral strategy involving parents, reinforcing positive actions, and providing opportunities for social interaction. Applied behavior analysis, social skills training, and cognitive-behavioral therapy are key components of this strategy.

Step-by-step explanation:

When caring for children diagnosed with disruptive behavior disorders, a nurse should use a behavioral approach that involves several strategies:

1. Involving parents in designing and implementing the treatment process, as it can tailor the approach to the child's unique needs and ensure consistency between home and healthcare settings.
2. Reinforcing positive actions to encourage the repetition of desired behaviors, using a system like token economies that are proven to increase acceptable behaviors.
3. Providing opportunities to learn appropriate peer interactions to help children engage socially and improve their communication skills.

These strategies can be integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan that may include applied behavior analysis (ABA), social skills groups, and cognitive-behavioral therapy for more effective results. Use of psychotropic medications is another option, but it's typically considered as an adjunct to behavioral therapies, not a primary approach.