What behavior should a nurse expect when assessing an adolescent with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

When assessing an adolescent with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), impulsivity is a hallmark characteristic of this condition. Adolescents with ADHD often struggle with self-control and may act without thinking, leading to hasty decisions or behaviors that can seem reckless. This impulsivity can manifest in various ways, such as interrupting conversations, making unplanned choices, or engaging in high-risk activities without fully considering the consequences.

Understanding this behavior is crucial for nurse assessments, as it can significantly impact the adolescent's social interactions, academic performance, and overall daily functioning. While poor handwriting can be present in some individuals with ADHD due to issues with fine motor skills and sustained attention, it is not as definitive a behavior as impulsivity. Similarly, excessive studying may not characterize an individual with ADHD, as these adolescents often struggle with focus and organization rather than overly meticulous behavior. Fear of failure can certainly be an emotional response in some adolescents but is not a direct behavioral manifestation of ADHD itself. These context clues highlight why impulsivity is the expected behavior in adolescents with ADHD.