The mother of an 8-year-old boy brings him to the PMHNP for an assessment of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder. Which of the following is the PMHNP most likely to utilize?

Choice A reason: This is the correct answer. The Vanderbilt Assessment Scales are widely used for evaluating ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents, incorporating both parent and teacher input to assess symptom severity and functional impairment. Choice B reason: The Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS) is used to assess opioid withdrawal and is not relevant to ADHD evaluation. Choice C reason: The Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment (CIWA) is used to monitor alcohol withdrawal and is unrelated to ADHD assessment. Choice D reason: The Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (DISC) is a structured diagnostic tool for mental health disorders in children but is less commonly used for initial ADHD screening compared to the Vanderbilt scales.