**REVIEW GOOD! Chapter 11 Wong-Health Promotion of the Toddler and Family 70Qw/exp

The nurse is providing guidance strategies to a group of parents with toddlers at a community outreach program. Which statement by a parent indicates a correct understanding of the teaching? a. I should expect my 24-month-old child to express some signs of readiness for toilet training. b. I should be firm and structured when disciplining my 18-month-old child. c. I should expect my 12-month-old child to start to develop a fear of darkness and to need a security blanket. d. I should expect my 36-month-old child to understand time and proximity of events.

ANS: A A 24-month-old toddler starts to show readiness for toilet training; it is important for the parent to be aware of this and be ready to start the process. At 18 months of age, a child needs consistent but gentle discipline because the child cannot yet understand firmness and structure with discipline. Development of fears and need for security items usually occurs at the end of the 18- to 24-month stage. A 36-month-old child does not yet understand time and proximity of events, so the parent needs to understand that the toddler cannot hurry up or we will be late.

Steven, 16 months old, falls down a few stairs. He gets up and "scolds" the stairs as if they caused him to fall. This is an example of which of the following? a. Animism b. Ritualism c. Irreversibility d. Delayed cognitive development

ANS: A Animism is the attribution of lifelike qualities to inanimate objects. By scolding the stairs, the toddler is attributing human characteristics to them. Ritualism is the need to maintain the sameness and reliability. It provides a sense of comfort to the toddler. Irreversibility is the inability to reverse or undo actions initiated physically. Steven is acting in an age-appropriate manner.

What is the most fatal type of burn in the toddler age group? a. Flame burn from playing with matches b. Scald burn from high-temperature tap water c. Hot object burn from cigarettes or irons d. Electric burn from electric outlets

ANS: A Flame burns from matches and lighters represent one of the most fatal types of burns in the toddler age group. High-temperature tap water, hot objects, and electrical outlets are all significant causes of burn injury. The child should be protected from these causes by reducing the temperature on the hot water in the home, keeping objects such as cigarettes and irons away from children, and placing protective guards over electric outlets when not in use.

The primary reason for universal screening of young children for lead poisoning is that A. children with lead poisoning rarely have symptoms. B. water and food in the United States are usually contaminated with lead. C. most children are exposed to lead through herbal products. D. most children in the United States are exposed to toxic amounts of lead.

ANS: A In the early stages of lead poisoning, children are asymptomatic. Water and food in the United States are not highly contaminated. Risks are homes painted before 1978, when painting products still had high lead levels. Universal screening will identify children who may receive lead via herbal supplements, if applicable. Universal screening will identify children who may receive lead via environmental exposure, if applicable.

Which is the leading cause of death during the toddler period? a. Injuries b. Infectious diseases c. Congenital disorders d. Childhood diseases

ANS: A Injuries are the single most common cause of death in children ages 1 through 4 years. This represents the highest rate of death from injuries of any childhood age group except adolescence. Infectious diseases and childhood diseases are less common causes of deaths in this age group. Congenital disorders are the second leading cause of death in this age group.

Parents tell the nurse that their toddler daughter eats little at mealtime, only sits at the table with the family briefly, and wants snacks "all the time." Which intervention should the nurse recommend? a. Give her nutritious snacks. b. Offer rewards for eating at mealtimes. c. Avoid snacks so she is hungry at mealtimes. d. Explain to her in a firm manner what is expected of her.

ANS: A Most toddlers exhibit a physiologic anorexia in response to the decreased nutritional requirement associated with the slower growth rate. Parents should help the child develop healthy eating habits. The toddler is often unable to sit through a meal. Frequent nutritious snacks are a good way to ensure proper nutrition. To help with developing healthy eating habits, food should be not be used as positive or negative reinforcement for behavior. The child may develop habits of overeating or eat nonnutritious foods in response.

The nurse is planning care for a hospitalized toddler. What is the rationale for planning to continue the toddlers rituals while hospitalized? a. To provide security b. To prevent regression c. To prevent dependency d. To decrease negativism

ANS: A Ritualism, the need to maintain sameness and reliability, provides a sense of security and comfort. It will not prevent regression or dependency or decrease negativism.

The parents of a 2-year-old tell the nurse that they are concerned because the toddler has started to use "baby talk" since the arrival of their new baby. The nurse should recommend which intervention? a. Ignore the "baby talk." b. Explain to the toddler that "baby talk" is for babies. c. Tell the toddler frequently, "You are a big kid now." d. Encourage the toddler to practice more advanced patterns of speech.

ANS: A The baby talk is a sign of regression in the toddler. It should be ignored, while praising the child for developmentally appropriate behaviors. Regression is children's way of expressing stress. The parents should not introduce new expectations and allow the child to master the developmental tasks without criticism.

Which technique is best for dealing with the negativism of the toddler? a. Offer the child choices. b. Remain serious and intent. c. Provide few or no choices for child. d. Quietly and calmly ask the child to comply.

ANS: A The child should have few opportunities to respond in a negative manner. Questions and requests should provide choices. This allows the child to be in control and reduces opportunities for negativism. The child will continue trying to assert control. The toddler is too young for verbal explanations. The negativism is the child testing limits. These should be clearly defined by structured choices.

The nurse is discussing with a parent group the importance of fluoride for healthy teeth. What should the nurse recommend? a. Determine whether the water supply is fluoridated. b. Use fluoridated mouth rinses in children older than 1 year. c. Give fluoride supplements to infants beginning at age 2 months. d. Brush teeth with fluoridated toothpaste unless the fluoride content of water supply is adequate.

ANS: A The decision about fluoride supplementation cannot be made until it is known whether the water supply contains fluoride and the amount. It is difficult to teach toddlers to spit out mouthwash. Swallowing fluoridated mouthwashes can contribute to fluorosis. Fluoride supplementation is not recommended until after age 6 months and then only if the water is not fluoridated. Fluoridated toothpaste is still indicated if the fluoride content of the water supply is adequate, but very small amounts are used.

The parent of a 16-month-old toddler asks, "What is the best way to keep our son from getting into our medicines at home?" The nurse's best advice is: a. "All medicines should be locked securely away." b. "The medicines should be placed in high cabinets." c. "The child just needs to be taught not to touch medicines." d. "Medicines should not be kept in the homes of small children."

ANS: A The major reason for poisoning in the home is improper storage. Toddlers can climb, unlatch cabinets, and obtain access to high-security places. For medications, only a locked cabinet is safe. Toddlers can climb by using furniture. High places are not a deterrent to an exploring toddler. Toddlers are not able to generalize as dangerous all the different forms of medications that may be available in the home. It is not feasible to not keep medicines in the homes of small children. Many parents require medications for chronic illnesses. Parents must be taught safe storage for their home and when they visit other homes.

A nurse places some x-ray contrast the toddler is to drink in a small cup instead of a large cup. Which concept of a toddler's preoperational thinking is the nurse using? a. Inability to conserve b. Magical thinking c. Centration d. Irreversibility

ANS: A The nurse is using the toddler's inability to conserve. This is when the toddler is unable to understand the idea that a mass can be changed in size, shape, volume, or length without losing or adding to the original mass. Instead, toddlers judge what they see by the immediate perceptual clues given to them. A small glass means less amount of contrast. Magical thinking is believing that thoughts are all-powerful and can cause events. Centration is focusing on one aspect rather than considering all possible alternatives. Irreversibility is the inability to undo or reverse the actions initiated, such as being unable to stop doing an action when told.

The nurse is teaching parents about avoiding accidental burns with their toddler. What water heater setting should the nurse recommend to the parents? a. 120 F b. 130 F c. 140 F d. 150 F

ANS: A The water heater should be set to limit household water temperatures to less than 49 C (120 F). At this temperature, it takes 10 minutes for exposure to the water to cause a full-thickness burn. Conversely, water temperatures of 54 C (130 F), the usual setting of most water heaters, expose household members to the risk of full-thickness burns within 30 seconds.

A parent of an 18-month-old boy tells the nurse that he says "no" to everything and has rapid mood swings. If he is scolded, he shows anger and then immediately wants to be held. The nurse's best interpretation of this behavior is included in which statement? a. This is normal behavior for his age. b. This is unusual behavior for his age. c. He is not effectively coping with stress. d. He is showing he needs more attention.

ANS: A Toddlers use distinct behaviors in the quest for autonomy. They express their will with continued negativity and the use of the word "no." Children at this age also have rapid mood swings. The nurse should reassure the parents that their child is engaged in expected behavior for an 18-month-old. Having a rapid mood swing is an expected behavior for a toddler.

Which characterizes the development of a 2-year-old child? A. Engages in parallel play B. Fully dresses self with supervision C. Has a vocabulary of at least 500 words D. Has attained one third of his or her adult height

ANS: A Two-year-olds play alongside each other, otherwise known as parallel play. Toddlers need help with dressing because this is a task they are just beginning to learn; learning this extends into the preschool years. A toddler commonly has a vocabulary of 300 words. A toddler has attained one half of his or her adult height.

What preventive measures should the nurse teach parents of toddlers to prevent early childhood caries? (Select all that apply.) a. Avoid using a bottle as a pacifier. b. Eliminate bedtime bottles completely. c. Place juice in a bottle for the child to drink. d. Wean from the bottle by 18 months of age. e. Avoid coating pacifiers in a sweet substance.

ANS: A, B, E Prevention of dental caries involves eliminating the bedtime bottle completely, feeding the last bottle before bedtime, substituting a bottle of water for milk or juice, not using the bottle as a pacifier, and never coating pacifiers in sweet substances. Juice in bottles, especially commercially available ready-to-use bottles, is discouraged; these beverages are especially damaging because the sugar is more readily converted to acid. Juice should always be offered in a cup to avoid prolonging the bottle-feeding habit. Toddlers should be encouraged to drink from a cup at the first birthday and weaned from a bottle by 14 months of age, not 18 months.

The nurse is teaching parents of a toddler how to handle temper tantrums. What should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select all that apply.) a. Provide realistic expectations. b. Avoid using rewards for good behavior. c. Ensure consistency among all caregivers in expectations. d. During tantrums, ignore the behavior and continue to be present. e. Use time-outs for managing temper tantrums, starting at 12 months.

ANS: A, C, D The best approach toward tapering temper tantrums requires consistency and developmentally appropriate expectations and rewards. Ensuring consistency among all caregivers in expectations, prioritizing what rules are important, and developing consequences that are reasonable for the childs level of development help manage the behavior. During tantrums, ignore the behavior, provided the behavior is not injurious to the child, such as violently banging the head on the floor. Continue to be present to provide a feeling of control and security to the child after the tantrum has subsided. Starting at 18 months, time-outs work well for managing temper tantrums, but not at 12 months.

Which gross motor milestones should the nurse assess in an 18-month-old child? (Select all that apply.) a. Jumps in place with both feet b. Takes a few steps on tiptoe c. Throws ball overhand without falling d. Pulls and pushes toys e. Stands on one foot momentarily

ANS: A, C, D An 18-month-old child can jump in place with both feet, throw a ball overhand without falling, and pull and push toys. Taking a few steps on tiptoe and standing on one foot momentarily is not acquired until 30 months of age.

Which food activities would be considered to be normal adaptations for toddlers? Select all that apply. A. They often pick up many types of foods, preferring snacking rather than eating just at mealtimes. B. Appetite and food choices exhibit a consistent pattern. C. Toddlers often exhibit "picky" eating behaviors which is considered to be a normal abnormal. D. Children tend to eat more when they are growing. E. Foods should not be given to children during playtime.

ANS: A, C, E Toddlers exhibit grazing or nibbling behaviors and sometimes prefer to snack throughout the day. Toddlers often exhibit "picky" preferential behaviors in their food choices. Foods should not be given to children during playtime as a safety measure to prevent possible choking or aspiration. Appetite and food choices are inconsistent during this time frame. Toddlers will eat more during growth spurt periods.

Which is descriptive of a toddler's cognitive development at age 20 months? a. Searches for an object only if he or she sees it being hidden b. Realizes that "out of sight" is not out of reach c. Puts objects into a container but cannot take them out d. Understands the passage of time, such as "just a minute" and "in an hour"

ANS: B At this age, the child is in the final sensorimotor stage. Children will now search for an object in several potential places, even though they saw only the original hiding place. Children have a more developed sense of objective permanence. They will search for objects even if they have not seen them hidden. When a child puts objects into a container but cannot take them out, this is indicative of tertiary circular reactions. An embryonic sense of time exists, although the children may behave appropriately to time-oriented phrases; their sense of timing is exaggerated.

Parents are switching their toddler, who has met the weight requirement, from a rear-facing car seat to a forward-facing seat. The nurse should recommend the parents place the seat where in the car? a. In the front passenger seat b. In the middle of the rear seat c. In the rear seat behind the driver d. In the rear seat behind the passenger

ANS: B Children 0 to 3 years of age riding properly restrained in the middle of the backseat have a 43% lower risk of injury than children riding in the outboard (window) seat during a crash.

Which should the nurse expect for a toddler's language development at age 18 months? a. Vocabulary of 25 words b. Increasing level of comprehension c. Use of holophrases d. Approximately one third of speech understandable

ANS: B During the second year of life, level of comprehension and understanding of speech increases and is far greater than the child's vocabulary. This is also true for bilingual children, who are able to achieve this linguistic milestone in both languages. The 18-month-old child has a vocabulary of 10 or more words. At this age, the child does not use the one-word sentences that are characteristic of the 1-year-old child. The child has a limited vocabulary of single words that are comprehensible.

What is the most effective way to clean a toddler's teeth? a. Child to brush regularly with a toothpaste of his or her choice b. Parent to stabilize the chin with one hand and brush with the other c. Parent to brush the mandibular occlusive surfaces, leaving the rest for the child d. Parent to brush the front labial surfaces, leaving the rest for the child

ANS: B For young children, the most effective cleaning of teeth is by the parents. Different positions can be used if the child's back is to the adult. The adult should use one hand to stabilize the chin and the other to brush the child's teeth. The child can participate in brushing, but for a thorough cleaning, adult intervention is necessary.

Which statement is most characteristic of the motor skills of a 24-month-old child? A. The toddler walks alone but falls easily. B. The toddler's activities begin to produce purposeful results. C. The toddler is able to grasp small objects but cannot release them at will. D. The toddler's motor skills are fully developed but occur in isolation from the environment.

ANS: B Gross and fine motor mastery occurs with other activities that have a purpose, such as walking to a particular location or putting down one toy and picking up a new toy. By 2 years of age, children are able to walk up and down stairs without falling. Grasping small objects without being able to release them is a task of infancy. Interaction with the environment is essential for mastery of both fine and gross motor skills at this age and beyond.

Kimberly's parents have been using a rearward-facing, convertible car seat since she was born. Most car seats can be safely switched to the forward-facing position when the child reaches which age? a. 1 b. 2 c. 3 d. 4

ANS: B It is now recommended that all infants and toddlers ride in rear-facing car safety seats until they reach the age of 2 years or height recommended by the car seat manufacturer. Children 2 years old and older who have outgrown the rear-facing height or weight limit for their car safety seat should use a forward-facing car safety seat with a harness up to the maximum height or weight recommended by the manufacturer. One year is too young to switch to a forward-facing position.

Two toddlers are playing in a sandbox when one child suddenly grabs a toy from the other child. Which is the best interpretation of this behavior? a. This is typical behavior because toddlers are aggressive. b. This is typical behavior because toddlers are egocentric. c. Toddlers should know that sharing toys is expected of them. d. Toddlers should have the cognitive ability to know right from wrong.

ANS: B Play develops from the solitary play of infancy to the parallel play of toddlers. The toddler plays alongside other children, not with them. This typical behavior of the toddler is not intentionally aggressive. Shared play is not within their cognitive development. Toddlers do not conceptualize shared play. Because the toddler cannot view the situation from the perspective of the other child, it is okay to take the toy. Therefore, no right or wrong is associated with taking a toy.

Which play item should the nurse bring from the playroom to a hospitalized toddler in isolation? a. Small plastic Lego b. Set of large plastic building blocks c. Brightly colored balloon d. Coloring book and crayons

ANS: B Play objects for toddlers must still be chosen with an awareness of danger from small parts. Large, sturdy toys without sharp edges or removable parts are safest. Large plastic blocks are appropriate for a toddler in isolation. Small plastic toys such as Lego can cause choking or can be aspirated. Balloons can cause significant harm if swallowed or aspirated. Coloring book and crayons would be too advanced for a toddler.

Which is an appropriate recommendation for preventing tooth decay in young children? a. Substitute raisins for candy. b. Substitute sugarless gum for regular gum. c. Use honey or molasses instead of refined sugar. d. When sweets are to be eaten, select a time not during meals.

ANS: B Regular gum has high sugar content. When the child chews gum, the sugar is in prolonged contact with the teeth. Sugarless gum is less cariogenic than regular gum. Raisins, honey, and molasses are highly cariogenic and should be avoided. Sweets should be consumed with meals so that the teeth can be cleaned afterward. This decreases the amount of time that the sugar is in contact with the teeth.

A hospitalized toddler clings to a worn, tattered blanket. The toddler screams when anyone tries to take it away. Which is the best explanation for the toddler's attachment to the blanket? A. The blanket encourages immature behavior. B. The blanket is an important transitional object. C. The developmental task of individuation-separation has not been mastered. D. The child and mother have inadequate bonding.

ANS: B The blanket is an important transitional object that provides security when the child is separated from parents. Transitional objects are important to help toddlers separate, and attachment to them does not indicate immature behavior. Transitional objects are helpful when a toddler experiences increased stress such as hospitalization. The attachment to the blanket does not reflect inadequate bonding with the mother.

In teaching prospective parents about the emergence of gender identity, the nurse should instruct them that this concept emerges at about A. 12 months of age. B. 24 months of age. C. at birth. D. at 3 years of age.

ANS: B The concept of gender identity begins at about 2 years of age (24 months), at which children are able to label their own as well as other's genders. It is not inherent at birth or by 1 year of age.

The nurse understands that which guideline should be followed to determine serving sizes for toddlers? a. 1/2 tbsp of solid food per year of age b. 1 tbsp of solid food per year of age c. 2 tbsp of solid food per year of age d. 2 1/2 tbsp of solid food per year of age

ANS: B To determine serving sizes for young children, the guideline to follow is 1 tbsp of solid food per year of age. One-half tbsp per year of age would not be adequate. Two or 2 1/2 tbsp per year of age would be excessive.

The nurse is assessing a toddlers visual acuity. Which visual acuity is considered acceptable during the toddler years? a. 20/20 b. 20/40 c. 20/50 d. 20/60

ANS: B Visual acuity of 20/40 is considered acceptable during the toddler years.

Which statement is correct about toilet training? a. Bladder training is usually accomplished before bowel training. b. Wanting to please the parent helps motivate the child to use the toilet. c. Watching older siblings use the toilet confuses the child. d. Children must be forced to sit on the toilet when first learning.

ANS: B Voluntary control of the anal and urethral sphincters is achieved sometime after the child is walking. The child must be able to recognize the urge to let go and to hold on. The child must want to please parent by holding on rather than pleasing self by letting go. Bowel training precedes bladder training. Watching older siblings provides role modeling and facilitates imitation for the toddler. The child should be introduced to the potty chair or toilet in a nonthreatening manner.

To avoid a fall from a crib, the nurse recommends to parents that their toddler should sleep in a bed rather than a crib when reaching what height? a. 30 in b. 35 in c. 40 in d. 45 in

ANS: B When children reach a height of 89 cm (35 in), they should sleep in a bed rather than a crib.

Which are characteristic of physical development of a 30-month-old child? (Select all that apply.) a. Birth weight has doubled. b. Primary dentition is complete. c. Sphincter control is achieved. d. Anterior fontanel is open. e. Length from birth is doubled. f. Left- or right-handedness is established.

ANS: B, C Usually by age 30 months, the primary dentition of 20 teeth is completed, and the child has sphincter control in preparation for bowel and bladder control. Birth weight doubles at approximately ages 5-6 months. The anterior fontanel closes at age 12-18 months. Birth length is doubled around age 4. Left- or right-handedness is not established until about age 5.

A toddler is in the sensorimotor, tertiary circular reactions stage of cognitive development. What behavior should the nurse expect to assess? (Select all that apply.) a. Refers to self by pronoun b. Gestures up and down c. Able to insert round object into a hole d. Can find hidden objects but only in the first location e. Uses future-oriented words, such as tomorrow

ANS: B, C, D Children in the sensorimotor, tertiary circular reactions stage of cognitive development show the behaviors of gesturing up and down, have the ability to insert round objects into a hole, and can find hidden objects but only in the first location. The behaviors of referring to oneself by pronoun and using future-oriented words such as tomorrow are seen in the preoperational stage of cognitive development.

A parent asks the nurse, When will I know my child is ready for toilet training? The nurse should include what in the response? (Select all that apply.) a. The child should be able to stay dry for 1 hour. b. The child should be able to sit, walk, and squat. c. The child should have regular bowel movements. d. The child should express a willingness to please.

ANS: B, C, D Signs of toilet training readiness include physical and psychological readiness. The ability to sit, walk, and squat and having regular bowel movements are physical readiness signs. Expressing a willingness to please is a sign of psychological readiness. The child should be able to stay dry for 2 hours, not 1.

Which should the nurse teach to parents of toddlers about accidental poison prevention? (Select all that apply.) a. Keep toxic substances in the garage. b. Discard empty poison containers. c. Know the number of the nearest poison control center. d. Remove colorful labels from containers of toxic substances. e. Caution child against eating nonedible items, such as plants.

ANS: B, C, E To prevent accidental poisoning, parents should be taught to promptly discard empty poison containers, know the number of the nearest poison control center, and to caution the child against eating nonedible items, such as plants. Parents should place all potentially toxic agents, including cosmetics, personal care items, cleaning products, pesticides, and medications in a locked cabinet, not in the garage. Parents should be taught to never remove labels from containers of toxic substances.

The child of 15 to 30 months is likely to be struggling with which developmental task? a. Trust b. Initiative c. Autonomy d. Intimacy

ANS: C Autonomy vs shame and doubt is the developmental task of toddlers. Trust vs mistrust is the developmental stage of infancy. Initiative vs guilt is the developmental stage of early childhood. Intimacy and solidarity vs isolation is the developmental stage of early adulthood.

In the clinic waiting room, a nurse observes a parent showing an 18-month-old child how to make a tower out of blocks. What should the nurse recognize in this situation? a. Blocks at this age are used primarily for throwing b. Toddlers are too young to imitate the behavior of others c. Toddlers are capable of building a tower of blocks d. Toddlers are too young to build a tower of blocks

ANS: C Building with blocks is a good parent-child interaction. The 18-month-old child is capable of building a tower of three or four blocks. The ability to build towers of blocks usually begins at age 15 months. With ongoing development, the child is able to build taller towers. The 18-month-old child imitates others around him or her.

Developmentally, what should most children at age 12 months be able to do? a. Use a spoon adeptly b. Relinquish the bottle voluntarily c. Eat the same food as the rest of the family d. Reject all solid food in preference to the bottle

ANS: C By age 12 months, most children are eating the same food that is prepared for the rest of the family. Using a spoon usually is not mastered until age 18 months. The parents should be engaged in weaning a child from a bottle if that is the source of liquid. Toddlers should be encouraged to drink from a cup at the first birthday and be weaned from the bottle totally by 14 months. The child should be weaned from a milk- or formula-based diet to a balanced diet that includes iron-rich sources of food.

Although a 14-month-old girl received a shock from an electric outlet recently, her parent finds her about to place a paper clip in another outlet. Which is the best interpretation of this behavior? a. Her cognitive development is delayed. b. This is typical behavior because toddlers are not very developed. c. This is typical behavior because of the inability to transfer knowledge to new situations. d. This is not typical behavior because toddlers should know better than to repeat an act that caused pain.

ANS: C During the tertiary circular reactions stage, children have only a rudimentary sense of the classification of objects. The appearance of an object denotes its function for these children. The slot of an outlet is for putting things into. Her cognitive development is appropriate for her age. Trying to put things into an outlet is typical behavior for a toddler. Only some awareness exists of a causal relation between events.

Parents need further teaching about the use of car safety seats if they make which statement? a. "Even if our toddler helps buckle the straps, we will double-check the fastenings." b. "We won't start the car until everyone is properly restrained." c. "We won't need to use the car seat on short trips to the store." d. "We will anchor the car seat to the car's anchoring system."

ANS: C Parents need to be taught to always use the restraint even for short trips. Further teaching is needed if they make this statement. Parents have understood the teaching if they encourage the child to help attach buckles, straps, and shields but always double-check fastenings; do not start the car until everyone is properly restrained; and anchor the car safety seat securely to the car's anchoring system and apply the harness snugly to the child.

A toddler is exploring the environment but returns to his mother within a few minutes of exploration. This finding would be noted as an example of A. separation anxiety. B. separation. C. rapprochement. D. individuation.

ANS: C Rapprochement occurs when the child returns to the mother for reassurance following exploration of the environment. Separation anxiety is when the child experiences anxiety based on separation from the parent or significant figure. Separation refers to the emergence of the child as a separate figure from the mother or parent. Individuation refers to the emergence of the child by expressing their own individual characteristic.

A toddler's parent asks the nurse for suggestions on dealing with temper tantrums. Which is the most appropriate recommendation? a. Punish the child. b. Leave the child alone until the tantrum is over. c. Remain close by the child but without eye contact. d. Explain to child that this is wrong.

ANS: C The parent should be told that the best way to deal with temper tantrums is to ignore the behaviors, provided that the actions are not dangerous to the child. Tantrums are common in toddlers as the child becomes more independent and overwhelmed by increasingly complex tasks. The parents and caregivers need to have consistent and developmentally appropriate expectations. Punishment and explanations will not be beneficial. The parent's presence is necessary both for safety and to provide a feeling of control and security to the child when the tantrum is over.

A 2-year-old child has recently started having temper tantrums where breath holding occurs and occasionally fainting. The most appropriate action by the nurse is to A. refer the child for a respiratory evaluation. B. refer the child for a psychological evaluation. C. explain to the parent that this is not harmful. D. explain to the parent that the child is spoiled.

ANS: C The rising carbon dioxide levels restart the breathing process when a child holds his or her breath; therefore, the process is self-limiting and not harmful. A respiratory evaluation is not indicated for this toddler. Temper tantrums are part of this developmental stage as the toddler asserts his or her independence. A psychological evaluation is not warranted. Temper tantrums are part of this developmental stage as the toddler asserts independence. There are no data to indicate that the child is spoiled.

The nurse notices that a toddler is more cooperative taking medicine from a small cup than from a large cup. This is an example of which characteristic of preoperational thought? A. Egocentrism B. Irreversibility C. Inability to conserve D. Transductive reasoning

ANS: C The smaller cup makes it look like less medicine to the child at this stage of cognitive development. The inability to see situations from other perspectives, besides their own, does not facilitate medication administration. The inability to reverse or undo actions physically initiated does not facilitate medication administration. Focusing on particulars does not explain the cooperation with the smaller medication cup.

What developmental characteristic does not occur until a child reaches age 2 1/2 years? a. Birth weight has doubled. b. Anterior fontanel is still open. c. Primary dentition is complete. d. Binocularity may be established.

ANS: C Usually by age 30 months, the primary dentition of 20 teeth is complete. Birth weight doubles at approximately ages 5 to 6 months. The anterior fontanel closes at ages 12 to 18 months. Binocularity is established by age 15 months.

Parents ask the nurse, How should we deal with our toddlers regression since our new baby has come home? The nurse should give the parents which response? a. Introduce new areas of learning. b. Use time-out as punishment when regression occurs. c. Ignore the behavior and praise appropriate behavior. d. Explain to the toddler that the behavior is not acceptable.

ANS: C When regression does occur, the best approach is to ignore it while praising existing patterns of appropriate behavior. It is advisable not to introduce new areas of learning when an additional crisis is present or expected, such as beginning toilet training shortly before a sibling is born or during a brief hospitalization. Time-out should not be used as a punishment, and the toddler does not have the cognitive ability to understand an explanation that the behavior is not acceptable.

At what age should the nurse expect a child to give both first and last names when asked? a. 15 months b. 18 months c. 24 months d. 30 months

ANS: D At 30 months, the child is able to give both first and last names and refer to self with an appropriate pronoun. At 15 and 18 months, the child is too young to give his or her own name. At 24 months, the child is able to give first name and refer to self by that name.

The psychosocial developmental tasks of toddlerhood include which characteristic? a. Development of a conscience b. Recognition of sex differences c. Ability to get along with age-mates d. Ability to delay gratification

ANS: D If the need for basic trust has been satisfied, then toddlers can give up dependence for control, independence, and autonomy. One of the tasks that the toddler is concerned with is the ability to delay gratification. Development of a conscience occurs during the preschool years. The recognition of sex differences occurs during the preschool years. The ability to get along with age-mates develops during the preschool and school-age years.

The nurse is assessing a 20-month-old toddler during a well-child visit and notices tooth decay. The nurse should understand that early childhood caries are caused by what? a. Allowing the child to eat citrus foods at bedtime b. A hereditary factor that cannot be prevented c. Poor fluoride supply in the drinking water d. Giving the child a bottle of juice or milk at naptime

ANS: D One cause of early childhood caries is allowing the child to go to sleep with a bottle of milk or juice; as the sweet liquid pools in the mouth, the teeth are bathed for several hours in this cariogenic environment. Eating citrus fruit at bedtime and poor fluoride supply in drinking water do not cause early childhood caries. The problem is not hereditary and can be prevented with proper education.

A nurse is observing children playing in the playroom. What describes parallel play? a. A child playing a video game b. Two children playing a card game c. Two children watching a movie on a television d. A child playing with blocks next to a child playing with trucks

ANS: D Parallel play is when a toddler plays alongside, not with, other children. A child playing with blocks next to a child playing with trucks is descriptive of parallel play. The child playing a video game is descriptive of solitary play. Two children playing cards is descriptive of cooperative play. Two children watching a television is descriptive of associative play.

Parents ask the nurse for strategies to help their toddler adjust to a new baby. What should the nurse suggest? a. Start talking about the baby very early in the pregnancy. b. Move the toddler to a new bed after the baby comes home. c. Tell the toddler that a new playmate will be coming home soon. d. Alert visitors to the new baby to include the toddler in the visit.

ANS: D Parents can minimize sibling rivalry by alerting visitors to the toddlers needs, having small presents on hand for the toddler, and including the child in the visits as much as possible. Time is a vague concept for toddlers. A good time to start talking about the new baby is when the toddler becomes aware of the pregnancy and the changes occurring in the home in anticipation of the new member. To avoid additional stresses when the newborn arrives, parents should perform anticipated changes, such as moving the toddler to a different room or bed, well in advance of the birth. Telling the toddler that a new playmate will come home soon sets up unrealistic expectations.

The nurse is teaching parents of toddlers about animal safety. Which should be included in the teaching session? a. Petting dogs in the neighborhood should be encouraged to prevent fear of dogs. b. The toddler is safe to approach an animal if the animal is chained. c. It is permissible for your toddler to feed treats to a dog. d. Teach your toddler not to disturb an animal that is eating.

ANS: D Parents should be taught that toddlers should not disturb an animal that is eating, sleeping, or caring for young puppies or kittens. The child should avoid all strange animals and not be encouraged to pet dogs in the neighborhood. The child should never approach a strange dog that is confined or restrained. The inexperienced child should not feed a dog (if the child pulls back when the animal moves to take the food, this can frighten and startle the animal).

What is the most common type of burn in the toddler age group? a. Electric burn from electrical outlets b. Flame burn from playing with matches c. Hot object burn from cigarettes or irons d. Scald burn from high-temperature tap water

ANS: D Scald burns are the most common type of thermal injury in children, especially 1- and 2-year-old children. Temperature should be reduced on the hot water in the house and hot liquids placed out of the childs reach. Electric burns from electrical outlets and hot object burns from cigarettes or irons are both significant causes of burn injury. The child should be protected by reducing the temperature on the hot water heater in the home, keeping objects such as cigarettes and irons away from children, and placing protective guards over electrical outlets when not in use. Flame burns from matches and lighters represent one of the most fatal types of burns in the toddler age group but not one of the most common types of burn.

A nurse is planning care for a 17-month-old child. According to Piaget, which stage should the nurse expect the child to be in cognitively? a. Trust b. Preoperational c. Secondary circular reaction d. Tertiary circular reaction

ANS: D The 17-month-old child is in the fifth stage of the sensorimotor phase, tertiary circular reactions. The child uses active experimentation to achieve previously unattainable goals. Trust is Erikson's first stage. Preoperational is the stage of cognitive development usually present in older toddlers and preschoolers. Secondary circular reactions last from about ages 4 to 8 months.

Which characteristic best describes the gross motor skills of a 24-month-old child? a. Skips and can hop in place on one foot b. Rides tricycle and broad jumps c. Jumps with both feet and stands on one foot momentarily d. Walks up and down stairs and runs with a wide stance

ANS: D The 24-month-old child can go up and down stairs alone with two feet on each step and runs with a wide stance. Skipping and hopping on one foot are achieved by 4-year-old children. Jumping with both feet and standing on one foot momentarily are achieved by 30-month-old children. Tricycle riding and broad jumping are achieved at age 3.

The parents of a newborn say that their toddler "hates the baby; he suggested that we put him in the trash can so the trash truck could take him away." Which is the nurse's best reply? a. "Let's see if we can figure out why he hates the new baby." b. "That's a strong statement to come from such a small boy." c. "Let's refer him to counseling to work this hatred out. It's not a normal response." d. "That is a normal response to the birth of a sibling. Let's look at ways to deal with this."

ANS: D The arrival of a new infant represents a crisis for even the best-prepared toddler. Toddlers have their entire schedule and routines disrupted because of the new family member. The nurse should work with parents on ways to involve the toddler in the newborn's care and to help focus attention on the toddler. The toddler does not hate the infant. This is an expected response to the changes in routines and attention that affect the toddler. The toddler can be provided with a doll to tend to the doll's needs at the same time the parent is performing similar care for the newborn.

A father tells the nurse that his daughter wants the same plate and cup used at every meal, even if they go to a restaurant. What should the nurse explain to the father? a. A sign the child is spoiled b. A way to exert unhealthy control c. Regression, common at this age d. Ritualism, common at this age

ANS: D The child is exhibiting the ritualism that is characteristic at this age. Ritualism is the need to maintain sameness and reliability. It provides a sense of comfort to the toddler. It will dictate certain principles in feeding practices, including rejecting a favorite food because it is served in a different container. Ritualism is not indicative of a child who has unreasonable expectations, but rather normal development. Toddlers use ritualistic behaviors to maintain necessary structure in their lives. This is not regression, which is a retreat from a present pattern of functioning.

A parent asks the nurse about negativism in toddlers. Which is the most appropriate recommendation? a. Punish the child. b. Provide more attention. c. Ask child not always to say "no." d. Reduce the opportunities for a "no" answer.

ANS: D The nurse should suggest to the parent that questions be phrased with realistic choices rather than yes or no answers. This provides the toddler with a sense of control and reduces the opportunity for negativism. Negativism is not an indication of stubbornness or insolence and should not be punished. The negativism is not a function of attention; the child is testing limits to gain an understanding of the world. The toddler is too young to be asked to not always say "no."

The nurse is teaching parents about toilet training. What should the nurse include in the teaching session? a. Bladder training is accomplished before bowel training. b. The mastery of skills required for toilet training is present at 18 months. c. By 12 months, the child is able to retain urine for up to 2 hours or longer. d. The physiologic ability to control the sphincters occurs between 18 and 24 months.

ANS: D The physiologic ability to control the sphincters occurs somewhere between ages 18 and 24 months. Bowel training is usually accomplished before bladder training because of its greater regularity and predictability. The mastery of skills required for training are not present before 24 months of age. By 14 to 18 months of age, the child is able to retain urine for up to 2 hours or longer.

A parent is concerned because her 18-month-old daughter who was previously a "good eater" by her accounts is now being very picky during meal times. Meal time patterns of intake vary from one day to the next with eating large amounts then hardly eating at all. Based on this information, the nurse would suspect that the toddler A. probably has an ear infection so the parent should not be concerned. B. refer the parent to the pediatrician for a diagnostic work up. C. tell the mother that this type of behavior is associated with regression. D. may be exhibiting physiological anorexia which is a common finding during this time period.

ANS: D These findings are indicative of physiological anorexia as during this time period, many toddlers demonstrate variation in food intake, strong food preferences and picky eating behaviors. There is no correlation with ear infections causing this type of eating behavior. A diagnostic work up is not warranted and this behavior does not demonstrate regression.

Which factor is most important in predisposing toddlers to frequent infections? a. Respirations are abdominal. b. Pulse and respiratory rates are slower than those in infancy. c. Defense mechanisms are less efficient than those during infancy. d. Toddlers have a short, straight internal ear canal and large lymph tissue.

ANS: D Toddlers continue to have the short, straight internal ear canal of infants. The lymphoid tissue of the tonsils and adenoids continues to be relatively large. These two anatomic conditions combine to predispose the toddler to frequent infections. The abdominal respirations and lowered pulse and respiratory rate of toddlers do not affect their susceptibility to infection. The defense mechanisms are more efficient compared with those of infancy.

The nurse is discussing toddler development with a parent. Which intervention will foster the achievement of autonomy? A. Help the toddler complete tasks. B. Provide opportunities for the toddler to play with other children. C. Help the toddler learn the difference between right and wrong. D. Encourage the toddler to do things for himself or herself when he or she is capable of doing them.

ANS: D Toddlers have an increased ability to control their bodies, themselves, and the environment. Autonomy develops when children complete tasks of which they are capable. To successfully achieve autonomy, the toddler needs to have a sense of accomplishment. This does not occur if parents complete tasks. Children at this age engage in parallel play. This will not foster autonomy. This concept is too advanced for toddlers and will not contribute to autonomy.

The nurse recommends to parents that peanuts are not a good snack food for toddlers. What is the nurse's rationale for this action? a. Low in nutritive value b. High in sodium c. Cannot be entirely digested d. Can be easily aspirated

ANS: D Foreign-body aspiration is common during the second year of life. Although they chew well, this age child may have difficulty with large pieces of food, such as meat and whole hot dogs, and with hard foods, such as nuts or dried beans. Peanuts have many beneficial nutrients, but should be avoided because of the risk of aspiration in this age group. The sodium level may be a concern, but the risk of aspiration is more important. Many foods pass through the gastrointestinal tract incompletely undigested. This is not necessarily detrimental to the child.

A nurse is providing teaching about age-appropriate activities to the parent of a 2 year old. Which of the following statements by the parent indicated an understanding of the teaching? a. "I will send my child's favorite stuffed animal when she will be napping away from home" b. "My child should be able to stand on one foot for a second" c. "The soccer team my child will be playing on starts practicing next week" d. "I should expect my child to be able to draw circles"

Answer: A Provides a sense of security. Age-appropriate activity for a 2 year old. Standing on 1 foot = 2.5 yr Toddlers prefer parallel play (play alongside of, instead of with, other children) making team sport difficult Drawing circles = 2.5 yr

A nurse is providing anticipatory guidance to the parents of a toddler. Which of the following should the nurse include? (Select all that apply). a. develop food habits that will prevent dental caries b. meeting caloric needs results in an increased appetite c. expression of bedtime fears in common d. expect behaviors associated with negativism and ritualism e. annual screenings for PKU are important

Answer: A, C, D Toddlers often experience physiologic anorexia and become fussy eaters because of a decreased appetite. Assessment of PKU happens with newborn.

A nurse is performing a developmental screening on an 18 month old. Which of the following skills should the toddler be able to perform? (Select all that apply) A. Build a tower with 6 blocks B. Throw a ball overhand C. Walk up and down stairs D. Draw circles E. Use a spoon without rotation

answer: B, E Tower w/ 6 blocks = 2 year Walk up & down stairs = 2 yr Draw circles = 2.5 yr

A nurse is assessing a 2.5 year old toddler at a well-child visit. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider? A. Height increase by 7.5 cm (3 in) in the past year B. Head circumference exceeds chest circumference C. Anterior & posterior fontanels are closed D. Current weight equals 4x the birth weight

answer: C The head and chest circumference should be equal by 1-2 years of age, with the chest circumference continuing to increase in size until it exceeds the head circumference. Therefore, the nurse should report this finding to the provider. Height should increase 7.5 cm (3 in) each year. Posterior fontanel closes by 6-8 months. Anterior fontanel closes by 12-18 months. Weight should be 4x birth weight.