What risk factor should nurses be aware of when caring for children with ADHD?

Children with ADHD often exhibit increased impulsivity and hyperactivity, which can elevate their likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors. This heightened impulsivity can lead to a higher incidence of accidents and injuries, as these children may not fully consider the consequences of their actions. Nurses caring for children with ADHD should monitor for this risk and educate families about safety measures that can help prevent injuries, such as supervision during play and the use of protective gear.

While other options may have some relevance in broader pediatric contexts, they do not directly correlate with the behavioral patterns associated with ADHD in the same way that the risk of injuries does. For instance, while allergies and infections can affect all children, they are not specifically heightened due to ADHD. Low iron levels can be a health concern in general, but it is not a direct consequence of the ADHD diagnosis itself. Therefore, the most pertinent risk factor for a nurse to be aware of in the context of caring for children with ADHD is the increased likelihood of injuries.