A woman was bragging about her 12-year-old son who was quiet and spent

A woman was bragging about her 12-year-old son who was quiet and spent a lot of his time in his room building model airplanes, gluing and painting pieces. Which of the following may be concerning to the nurse?

a. Being preadolescent, he needs education on sexual growth and development.
b. He may be inhaling fumes from the aerosol paints and glues.
c. Twelve-year-olds are not usually quiet; he needs a mental health consult.
d. Twelve-year-olds need physical exercise, and he is not getting any sitting around.

ESSAYBID ANSWER

ANS: B
Inhalants are fumes from a range of substances such as glues, aerosols, butane, and paint thinner. These products are inexpensive, legal, and easy to obtain, making them attractive to younger adolescents who have less access to illicit drugs. The nurse should first consider the age and safety of the child. Thus, it is appropriate for the nurse to consider that the child may be inhaling the fumes while working with these products. This should be the immediate concern of the nurse. Once this issue has been addressed, the nurse may want to consider the child’s need for additional physical activity, limited interactions with peers, and need for education about growth and development.