The 'acting-out' adolescent: identification and management

The 'acting-out' adolescent presents both challenges and problems to the pediatric nurse who may not have the psychiatric skills necessary for managing negative behaviors that can interfere with both the adolescent's treatment and the overall functioning of the unit. Basic information is presented that will assist the pediatric nurse in the assessment and intervention of adolescents who present with problems manifested by behaviors related to anxiety, anger, hostility, and aggression.