Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

What is an appropriate intervention for a child exhibiting behavior indicative of ADHD during school hours?

1. Reduce classroom decorations.

2. Increase homework assignments.

3. Implement frequent breaks.

4. Provide additional tutoring sessions.

The correct answer is: Implement frequent breaks.

Implementing frequent breaks is an appropriate intervention for a child exhibiting behavior indicative of ADHD during school hours. Children with ADHD often struggle with maintaining attention and focus for extended periods due to challenges in self-regulation and impulsivity. Frequent breaks can help them manage their energy levels and refocus, allowing them to return to learning activities with greater concentration and less frustration. Breaks can be structured as short intervals where the child can engage in physical activity, mindfulness exercises, or other calming techniques, which is beneficial for their attention span and overall engagement in the classroom. In contrast, reducing classroom decorations might limit distractions but does not actively support the child's need for movement and breaks. Increasing homework assignments could lead to feelings of overwhelm and exacerbate attention issues. Providing additional tutoring sessions may not address the immediate need for managing behavior in the classroom environment; instead, it might further burden the child if they are already struggling with focus and motivation. Thus, frequent breaks are the most effective and supportive intervention tailored to the needs of a child with ADHD during school hours.