The mother of a school-age child is distraught over the ongoing oppositional behavior demonstrated by the child at home and at school. Which nursing diagnosis should the nurse select as appropriate for the child and family at this time?

Question

A) Risk for self-directed violence related to impulsivity
B) Situational low self-esteem related to lack of successful coping strategies
C) Impaired social interaction related to short attention span and distractibility
D) Interrupted family processes related to inability of child to follow instructions

Answer 1

D
Feedback:
Oppositional defiant disorders consist of long-term hostile, negativistic, or defiant behaviors that result in disturbed functioning in academic and social domains. Children typically have difficulty controlling their temper; such anger is often directed at an authority figure. The disorder develops most frequently in late preschool or early school age. The diagnosis most appropriate for this child and parent is interrupted family processes. There is no evidence to suggest that the child is at risk for self-directed violence, low self-esteem, or impaired social interaction.