PEDI Exam 1

Which is an appropriate play activity for a 7-month-old infant to encourage visual stimulation? a. Playing peek-a-boo b. Playing pat-a-cake c. Imitating animal sounds d. Showing how to clap hands

ANS: A Because object permanence is a new achievement, peek-a-boo is an excellent activity to practice this new skill for visual stimulation. Pat-a-cake and showing how to clap hands will help with kinetic stimulation. Imitating animal sounds will help with auditory stimulation.

The parents of a 4-month-old infant tell the nurse that they are heating the baby's formula in a microwave oven. Which would the nurse recommend? a. Never heat a bottle in a microwave oven. b. Heat only 10 ounces or more. c. Always leave bottle top uncovered to allow heat to escape. d. Shake bottle vigorously for at least 30 seconds after heating.

ANS: A Bottles cannot be heated safely in microwave ovens even if safe guidelines are followed and regardless of the amount to be heated due to uneven heating and possible burns.

Adolescents are in which stage of cognitive development? a. Formal operations b. Concrete operations c. Conventional thought d. Postconventional thought

ANS: A Cognitive thinking culminates with capacity for abstract thinking. This stage, the period of formal operations, is Piaget's fourth and last stage. Concrete operations usually occur between ages 7 and 11 years. Conventional and postconventional thought refers to Kohlberg's stages of moral development

Which is the leading cause of death during the toddler period? a. Unintentional 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.

Which is the earliest age that puberty begins? a. 9 b. 10 c. 11 d. 12

ANS: A There is no universal age at which children assume the characteristics of prepubescence. The first physiologic signs appear at about 9 years of age (particularly in girls) and are usually clearly evident in 11- to 12-year-old children.

The nurse is doing a routine assessment on a 14-month-old infant and notes that the anterior fontanel is closed. How would the nurse interpret this finding? a. Normal finding b. Finding requiring a referral c. Abnormal finding d. Normal finding, but requires rechecking in 1 month

ANS: A This is a normal finding. The anterior fontanel closes between ages 12 and 18 months. No further intervention is required.

Which behaviors by the nurse indicate non-therapeutic relationship with children and families? (Select all that apply.) a. Visits family on days off. b. Provides a calming influence c. Purchases clothes and toys for the child. d. Communication is open and two-way. e. Strives to empower families.

ANS: A, C A home care nurse can establish therapeutic nurse-family boundaries by negotiating house rules and ensuring that communication is open and two-way. Visiting the family of off-duty days and buying expensive gifts for the child would be boundary crossing and nontherapeutic

Which gross motor milestones would 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, 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.

What should the nurse expect the health care provider to recommend for a 14-year-old child who has never had chickenpox? a. One dose of the varicella vaccination b. Two doses of the varicella vaccination 4 weeks apart c. One dose of the varicella immune globulin d. No vaccinations—the child is past the age to receive it

ANS: B All adolescents should also be assessed for previous history of varicella infection or vaccination. Vaccination with the varicella vaccine is recommended for those with no previous history; for those with no previous infection or history, the varicella vaccine may be given in two doses 4 or more weeks apart to adolescents 13 years or older. The varicella immune globulin is given to immunosuppressed children exposed to chickenpox to boost immunity; it is only temporary. The varicella vaccination should be given to adolescents, no matter the age, who have not had chickenpox as a child.

The nurse is taking a sexual history on an adolescent girl. Which is the best way to determine whether she is sexually active? a. Ask her, "Are you sexually active?" b. Ask her, "Are you having sex with anyone?" c. Ask her, "Are you having sex with a boyfriend?" d. Ask both the girl and her parent whether she is sexually active.

ANS: B Asking the adolescent girl whether she is having sex with anyone is a direct question that is well understood. The phrase sexually active is broadly defined and may not provide specific information to the nurse to provide necessary care. The word anyone is preferred to using gender-specific terms such as boyfriend or girlfriend. Because homosexual experimentation may occur, it is preferable to use gender-neutral terms. Questioning about sexual activity should occur when the adolescent is alone.

The nurse is assessing a 6-month-old healthy infant who weighed 7 pounds at birth. The nurse would expect the infant to now weigh approximately how many pounds? a. 10 b. 15 c. 20 d. 25

ANS: B Birth weight doubles at about age 5 to 6 months. At 6 months, a child who weighed 7 pounds at birth would weigh approximately 15 pounds; 10 pounds is too little. The infant would have gone from the 50th percentile at birth to below the 5th percentile; 20 to 25 pounds is too much. The infant would have tripled the birth weight at 6 months.

Which predisposes the adolescent to feel an increased need for sleep? a. An inadequate diet b. Rapid physical growth c. Decreased activity that contributes to a feeling of fatigue d. The lack of ambition typical of this age group

ANS: B During growth spurts, the need for sleep increases. Rapid physical growth, the tendency toward overexertion, and the overall increased activity of this age contribute to fatigue.

Which 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 is descriptive of the preschooler's understanding of time? a. Has no understanding of time b. Associates time with events c. Can tell time on a clock d. Uses terms like "yesterday" appropriately

ANS: B In a preschooler's understanding, time has a relation with events such as "We'll go outside after lunch." Preschoolers develop an abstract sense of time at age 3 years. Children can tell time on a clock at age 7 years. Children do not fully understand use of time-oriented words until age 6 years.

Which is the earliest age at which a satisfactory radial pulse can be taken in children? a. 1 year b. 2 years c. 3 years d. 6 years

ANS: B Satisfactory radial pulses can be used in children older than 2 years. In infants and young children, the apical pulse is more reliable. The apical pulse can be used for assessment at these ages.

Parents of a 11-year-old child ask the clinic nurse, "How many hours of sleep should our child get?" The nurse would respond with which number to represent hours per night of sleep suggested for this age group? a. 8 b. 9 c. 10 d. 11

ANS: B School-age children usually do not require naps, but they do need to sleep approximately 11 hours at age 5 years and 9 hours at age 12 years each night

A parent asks the nurse "when will my infant start to teethe?" The nurse responds that the earliest age at which an infant begins teething with eruption of lower central incisors is _____ months. a. 4 b. 6 c. 8 d. 12

ANS: B Teething usually begins at age 6 months with the eruption of the lower central incisors; 4 months is too early for teething. By age 8 months, the infant has the upper and lower central incisors. At age 12 months, the infant has six to eight deciduous teeth.

Which factor most impacts the type of injury a child is susceptible to, according to the child's age? a. Physical health of the child b. Developmental level of the child c. Educational level of the child d. Number of responsible adults in the home

ANS: B The child's developmental stage determines the type of injury that is likely to occur. The child's physical health may facilitate the child's recovery from an injury but does not impact the type of injury. Educational level is related to developmental level, but it is not as important as the child's developmental level in determining the type of injury. The number of responsible adults in the home may affect the number of unintentional injuries, but the type of injury is related to the child's developmental stage.

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. Voluntary control of urethral sphincter. d. Anterior fontanel is open. e. Left or right hand dominance 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 to 6 months. The anterior fontanel closes at age 12 to 18 months. Birth length is doubled around age 4. Left- or right-handedness is not established until about age 5.

By which age would the nurse expect an infant to be able to sit down from a standing position? a. 6 months b. 8 months c. 12 months d. 15 months

ANS: C A 12-month-old infant should be able to sit down from a standing position without assistance.

Adolescents may experiences many "mood swings" throughout the day. How should the nurse interpret this behavior? a. Requires a referral to a mental health counselor b. Requires some further lab testing c. It is normal behavior d. Related to feelings of depression

ANS: C Adolescents vacillate in their emotional states between considerable maturity and childlike behavior. One minute they are exuberant and enthusiastic; the next minute they are depressed and withdrawn. Because of these mood swings, adolescents are frequently labeled as unstable, inconsistent, and unpredictable, but the behavior is normal. The behavior would not require a referral to a mental health counselor or further lab testing. The mood swings do not indicate depression.

Which play is most typical of the preschool period? a. Solitary b. Parallel c. Associative d. Team

ANS: C Associative play is group play in similar or identical activities but without rigid organization or rules. Solitary play is that of infants. Parallel play is that of toddlers. School-age children play in teams.

Developmentally, which would 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.

Which describes moral development in younger school-age children? a. The standards of behavior now come from within themselves. b. They do not yet experience a sense of guilt when they misbehave. c. They know the rules and behaviors expected of them but do not understand the reasons behind them. d. They no longer interpret accidents and misfortunes as punishment for misdeeds.

ANS: C Children who are ages 6 and 7 years know the rules and behaviors expected of them but do not understand the reasons for these rules and behaviors. Young children do not believe that standards of behavior come from within themselves, but that rules are established and set down by others. Younger school-age children learn standards for acceptable behavior, act according to these standards, and feel guilty when they violate them. Misfortunes and accidents are viewed as punishment for bad acts.

The nurse accurately relates which body mass index (BMI)-for-age percentile as overweight? a. 10th percentile b. 9th percentile c. 85th percentile d. 95th percentile

ANS: C Children who have BMI-for-age greater than or equal to the 85th percentile and less than the 95th percentile are at risk for being overweight. Children in the 9th and 10th percentiles are within normal limits. Children who are greater than or equal to the 95th percentile are considered overweight.

Which strategy by the nurse is most likely to encourage parents to talk about their feelings related to their child's illness? a. Expressing sympathy. b. Asking direct questions. c. Asking open-ended questions. d. Avoiding periods of silence.

ANS: C Closed-ended questions should be avoided when attempting to elicit parents' feelings. Open-ended questions require the parent to respond with more than a brief answer. Sympathy is having feelings or emotions in common with another person rather than understanding those feelings (empathy). Sympathy is not therapeutic in helping the relationship. Direct questions may obtain limited information. In addition, the parent may consider them threatening. Silence can be an effective interviewing tool. It allows sharing of feelings in which two or more people absorb the emotion in depth. Silence permits the interviewee to sort out thoughts and feelings and search for responses to questions.

A nurse is conducting a teaching session for parents of infants. The nurse explains that which behavior indicates that an infant has developed object permanence? a. Recognizes familiar face, such as mother b. Recognizes familiar object, such as bottle c. Actively searches for a hidden object d. Secures objects by pulling on a string

ANS: C During the first 6 months of life, infants believe that objects exist only as long as they can see them. When infants search for an object that is out of sight, this signals the attainment of object permanence, whereby an infant knows an object exists even when it is not visible. Between ages 8 and 12 weeks, infants begin to respond differentially to the mother. They cry, smile, vocalize, and show distinct preference for the mother. This preference is one of the stages that influences the attachment process but is too early for object permanence. Recognizing familiar objects is an important transition for the infant, but it does not signal object permanence. The ability to understand cause and effect is part of secondary schemata development.

A nurse is teaching parents of kindergarten children general guidelines to assist their children in school. Which statement by the parents indicates they understand the teaching? a. "We will only meet with the teacher if problems occur." b. "We will discourage hobbies so our child focuses on schoolwork." c. "We will plan a trip to the library as often as possible." d. "We will expect our child to make all As in school."

ANS: C General guidelines for parents to help their child in school include sharing an interest in reading. The library should be used frequently, and books the child is reading should be discussed. Hobbies should be encouraged. The parents should not expect all As. They should focus on growth more than grades

Which snack would the nurse recommend parents offer to their slightly overweight preschool child? a. Carbonated beverage b. 10% fruit juice c. Low fat milk d. Whole milk

ANS: C Milk and dairy products are excellent sources of calcium and vitamin D (fortified). Low-fat milk may be substituted, so the quantity of milk may remain the same while limiting fat intake overall. Parents should be educated regarding non-nutritious fruit drinks, which usually contain less than 10% fruit juice yet are often advertised as healthy and nutritious; sugar content is dramatically increased and often precludes an adequate intake of milk by the child. In young children, intake of carbonated beverages that are acidic or that contain high amounts of sugar is also known to contribute to dental caries. Low fat milk should be substituted for whole milk if the child is slightly overweight.

A group of boys ages 9 and 10 years have formed a "boys-only" club that is open to neighborhood and school friends who have skateboards. How would this be interpreted? a. Behavior that encourages bullying and sexism b. Behavior that reinforces poor peer relationships c. Characteristic of typical social development at this age d. Characteristic of children who later are at risk for membership in gangs

ANS: C One of the outstanding characteristics of middle childhood is the creation of formalized groups or clubs. Peer-group identification and association are essential to a child's socialization. Poor relationships with peers and a lack of group identification can contribute to bullying. A boys-only club does not have a direct correlation with later gang activity.

A 4-year-old child tells the nurse that she does not want another blood sample drawn because "I need all my insides, and I don't want anyone taking them out." Which is the nurse's best interpretation of this? a. Child is being overly dramatic. b. Child has a disturbed body image. c. Preschoolers have poorly defined body boundaries. d. Preschoolers normally have a good understanding of their bodies.

ANS: C Preschoolers have little understanding of body boundaries, which leads to fears of mutilation. The child is not capable of being dramatic at 4 years of age. She truly has fear. Body image is just developing in the school-age child. Preschoolers do not have good understanding of their bodies.

The nurse would teach parents that which age is safe to give infants whole milk instead of commercial infant formula? a. 6 months b. 9 months c. 12 months d. 18 months

ANS: C The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend the use of cow's milk for children younger than 12 months. At 6 and 9 months, the infant should be receiving commercial infant formula or breast milk. At age 18 months, milk and formula are supplemented with solid foods, water, and some fruit juices.

At which age does an infant start to recognize familiar faces and objects, such as a feeding bottle? a. 1 month b. 2 months c. 3 months d. 4 months

ANS: C The child can recognize familiar objects at approximately age 3 months. For the first 2 months of life, infants watch and observe their surroundings. The 4-month-old infant is able to anticipate feeding after seeing the bottle.

Parents are concerned about the number of hours their teenage daughter spends with peers. The nurse explains that peer relationships are important during adolescence for which reason? a. Adolescents dislike their parents. b. Adolescents no longer need parental control. c. They provide adolescents with a feeling of belonging. d. They promote a sense of individuality in adolescents.

ANS: C The peer group serves as a strong support to teenagers, providing them with a sense of belonging and a sense of strength and power. During adolescence, the parent-child relationship changes from one of protection-dependency to one of mutual affection and quality. Parents continue to play an important role in the personal and health-related decisions. The peer group forms the transitional world between dependence and autonomy.

Which is the major cause of death for children older than 1 year? a. Cancer b. Heart disease c. Unintentional injuries d. Congenital anomalies

ANS: C Unintentional injuries (accidents) are the leading cause of death after age 1 year through adolescence. Congenital anomalies are the leading cause of death in those younger than 1 year. Cancer ranks either second or fourth, depending on the age group, and heart disease ranks fifth in the majority of the age groups

A nurse is formulating a clinical question for evidence-based practice. Place in sequential order the steps the nurse should use to clarify the scope of the problem and clinical topic of interest: 1. Intervention 2. Outcome 3. Population 4. Time 5. Comparison a. 4, 5, 1, 2, 1 b. 5, 2, 3, 4, 1 c. 3, 1, 5, 2, 4 d. 2, 3, 1, 5, 4

ANS: C When formulating a clinical question for evidence-based practice, the nurse would follow a concise, organized way that allows for clear answers. Good clinical questions should be asked in the PICOT (population, intervention, comparison, outcome, time) format to assist with clarity and literature searching. PICOT questions assist with clarifying the scope of the problem and clinical topic of interest.

Which describes the cognitive abilities of school-age children? (Select all that apply.) a. Have developed the ability to reason abstractly b. Are capable of scientific reasoning and formal logic c. Developed the ability to understand relational terms and concepts d. Have a mastery of the concept of conservation e. Have a steady reduction in egocentricity

ANS: C, D, E In Piaget's stage of concrete operations, children have the ability to group and sort and make conceptual decisions. Children cannot reason abstractly and logically until late adolescence. Making judgments based on what they reason to making judgments based on what they see is not a developmental skill.

Which characteristic best describes the language of a 3-year-old child? a. Asks meanings of words b. Follows directional commands c. Describes an object according to its composition d. Talks incessantly regardless of whether anyone is listening

ANS: D Because of the dramatic vocabulary increase at this age, 3-year-olds are known to talk incessantly regardless of whether anyone is listening. A 4- to 5-year-old asks lots of questions and can follow simple directional commands. A 6-year-old can describe an object according to its composition.

At which age would the nurse expect the anterior fontanel to close? a. 2 months b. 2 to 4 months c. 6 to 8 months d. 12 to 18 months

ANS: D The anterior fontanel normally closes between ages 12 and 18 months. Two to 8 months is too early. The expected closure of the anterior fontanel occurs between ages 12 and 18 months; if it closes between ages 2 and 8 months, the child should be referred for further evaluation.

Which second-leading cause of death topic would the nurse emphasize to a group of boys ranging in age from 15 to 19 years? a. Suicide b. Cancer c. Homicide d. Occupational injuries

ANS:C Firearm homicide is the second overall cause of death in this age group and the leading cause of death in African-American males. Suicide is the third-leading cause of death in this population. Cancer, although a major health problem, is the fourth-leading cause of death in this age group. Occupational injuries do not contribute to a significant death rate for this age group.

The recommendation for calcium for children 1 to 3 years of age is _____ milligrams. (Record your answer in a whole number.)

ANS: 700 While limiting fat consumption, it is important to ensure diets contain adequate nutrients such as calcium. The recommendation for daily calcium intake for children 1 to 3 years of age is 500 mg, and the recommendation for children 4 to 8 years of age is 800 mg.

What is the correct sequence used by experienced examiners when performing an abdominal assessment? Begin with the first technique and end with the last. Provide answer using lowercase letters separated by commas (e.g., A, B, C, D). a. Auscultation b. Palpation c. Inspection d. Percussion

ANS: C, A, D, B The correct order of abdominal examination is inspection, auscultation, percussion, and palpation. Palpation is always performed last because it may distort the normal abdominal sounds.

Place in order the sequence of maturational changes for girls. Begin with the first change seen, sequencing to the last change. Provide answer in using lowercase letters, separated by commas (e.g., A, B, C, D, E). a. Growth of pubic hair b. Rapid increase in height and weight c. Breast changes d. Menstruation e. Appearance of axillary hair

ANS: C, B, A, E, D The usual sequence of maturational changes for girls is breast changes, rapid increase in height and weight, growth of public hair, appearance of axillary hair, and then menstruation, which usually begins 2 years after the first signs.

Place in order the expected sequence of fine motor developmental milestones for an infant beginning with the first milestone achieved and ending with the last milestone achieved. Provide answer using lowercase letters separated by commas (e.g., A, B, C, D, E). a. Hands kept loosely open b. Strong grasp reflex c. Transfers object between hands d. Plays with toes e. Masters crude pincer grasp

ANS: B, A, D, C, E Grasping occurs during the first 2 to 3 months as a reflex and gradually becomes voluntary. By 5 months, infants are able to voluntarily grasp objects. Gradually, the palmar grasp (using the whole hand) is replaced by a pincer grasp (using the thumb and index finger). By 8 to 10 months of age, infants use a crude pincer grasp, and by 11 months, they have progressed to a neat pincer grasp. By 11 months, they put objects into containers and like to remove them. By age 1 year, infants try to build towers of two blocks but fail.

During a funduscopic examination of a school-age child, the nurse notes a brilliant, uniform red reflex in both eyes. How would the nurse interpret this finding? a. Normal finding b. Abnormal finding, so child needs referral to ophthalmologist c. Sign of possible visual defect, so child needs vision screening d. Sign of small hemorrhages, which will usually resolve spontaneously

ANS: A A brilliant, uniform red reflex is an important normal finding. It rules out many serious defects of the cornea, aqueous chamber, lens, and vitreous chamber.

Which is suggestive that a nurse has a nontherapeutic relationship with a patient and family? a. Staff is concerned about the nurse's closeness with the patient and family. b. Staff assignments allow the nurse to care for same patient and family over an extended time. c. Nurse is able to withdraw emotionally when emotional overload occurs but still remains committed. d. Nurse uses teaching skills to instruct patient and family rather than doing everything for them.

ANS: A A clue to a nontherapeutic staff-patient relationship is concern by other staff members. Allowing the nurse to care for the same patient over time would be therapeutic for the patient and family. Nurses who are able to somewhat withdraw emotionally can protect themselves while providing therapeutic care. Nurses using teaching skills to instruct patient and family will assist in transitioning the child and family to self-care.

A nurse is admitting a toddler to the hospital and the parents state they will need to leave for a brief period. Which type of nursing diagnosis would the nurse formulate for this child? a. Risk for anxiety b. Anxiety c. Readiness for enhanced coping d. Ineffective coping

ANS: A A potential problem is categorized as a risk. The toddler has a risk to become anxious when the parents leave. Nursing interventions will be geared toward reducing the risk. The child is not showing current anxiety or ineffective coping. The child is not at a point for readiness for enhanced coping, especially because the parents will be leaving.

Preschoolers' fears can best be dealt with by which intervention? a. Actively involving them in finding practical methods to deal with the frightening experience b. Forcing them to confront the frightening object or experience in the presence of their parents c. Using logical persuasion to explain away their fears and help them recognize how unrealistic the fears are d. Ridiculing their fears so that they understand that there is no need to be afraid

ANS: A Actively involving them in finding practical methods to deal with the frightening experience is the best way to deal with fears. Forcing a child to confront fears may make the child more afraid. Preconceptual thought prevents logical understanding. Ridiculing fears does not make them go away.

Which aspect of cognition develops during adolescence? a. Can perceive and act on long-range options b. Ability to place things in a sensible and logical order c. Ability to see things from the point of view of another d. Progress from making judgments based on what they see to making judgments based on what they reason

ANS: A Adolescents are no longer restricted to the real and actual. They also are concerned with the possible; they think beyond the present. During concrete operations (between ages 7 and 11 years), children exhibit these characteristic thought processes

A child has an evulsed a tooth and will not put the tooth back in the socket. Which medium would the nurse instruct the parents to place the tooth in for transport to the dentist? a. Cold milk b. Cold water c. Warm salt water d. Dry, clean jar

ANS: A An evulsed tooth should be placed in a suitable medium for transplant, either cold milk or saliva (under the child or parent's tongue). Cold milk is a more suitable medium for transport than cold water, warm salt water, or a dry, clean jar.

A 16 months old child falls down a few stairs, then 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.

An 8-year-old girl tells the nurse that she has cancer because God is punishing her for "being bad." How would the nurse interpret this statement? a. A common belief at this age b. A belief that forms the basis for most religions c. Suggestive of excessive family pressure d. Suggestive of a failure to develop a conscience

ANS: A Children at this age may view illness or injury as a punishment for a real or imagined misdeed. The belief in divine punishment is common for an 8-year-old child.

Which accurately describes the speech of the preschool child? a. Dysfluency in speech patterns is normal. b. Sentence structure and grammatic usage are limited. c. By age 5 years, child can be expected to have a vocabulary of about 1000 words. d. Rate of vocabulary acquisition keeps pace with the degree of comprehension of speech.

ANS: A Dysfluency includes stuttering and stammering, a normal characteristic of language development. Children speak in sentences of three or four words at age 3 to 4 years and eight words by age 5 years. At 5 years, children have a vocabulary of 2100 words. Children often gain vocabulary beyond degree of comprehension.

A young adolescent boy tells the nurse he "feels gawky." How should the nurse explain why this occurs in adolescents? a. Growth of the extremities and neck precedes growth in other areas b. Growth is in the trunk and chest c. The hip and chest breadth increases d. The growth spurt occurs earlier in boys than it does in girls

ANS: A Growth in length of the extremities and neck precedes growth in other areas, and, because these parts are the first to reach adult length, the hands and feet appear larger than normal during adolescence. Increases in hip and chest breadth take place in a few months followed several months later by an increase in shoulder width. These changes are followed by increases in length of the trunk and depth of the chest. This sequence of changes is responsible for the characteristic long-legged, gawky appearance of early adolescent children. The growth spurt occurs earlier in girls than in boys.

The nurse has just started assessing a young child who is febrile and appears very ill. There is hyperextension of the child's head (opisthotonos) with pain on flexion. Which is the most appropriate action? a. Refer for immediate medical evaluation. b. Continue assessment to determine cause of neck pain. c. Ask parent when neck was injured. d. Record "head lag" on assessment record, and continue assessment of child.

ANS: A Hyperextension of the child's head with pain on flexion is indicative of meningeal irritation and needs immediate evaluation; it is not descriptive of head lag. The pain is indicative of meningeal irritation. No indication of injury is present.

A nurse is performing an otoscopic exam on a school-age child. Which direction would the nurse pull the pinna for a child this age? a. Up and back b. Down and back c. Straight back d. Straight up

ANS: A In children older than 3 years, the ear canal curves downward and forward. As a result, when performing an otoscopic exam, the nurse will pull the pinna up and back before inserting the otoscope.

A nurse is planning a class on accident prevention for parents of toddlers. Which safety topic is the priority for this class? a. Correct use of car seat restraints b. Safety crossing the street c. Helmet use when riding a bicycle d. Poison control numbers

ANS: A Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) continue to be the most common cause of death in children older than 1 year, therefore the priority topic is appropriate use of car seat restraints. Safety crossing the street and bicycle helmet use are topics that should be included for preschool parents but are not priorities for parents of toddlers. Information about poison control is important for parents of toddlers and would be a safety topic to include but is not the priority over appropriate use of car seat restraints.

Which statement characterizes moral development in the older school-age child? a. They are able to judge an act by the intentions that prompted it rather than just by the consequences. b. Rules and judgments become more absolute and authoritarian. c. They view rule violations in an isolated context. d. They know the rules but cannot understand the reasons behind them.

ANS: A Older school-age children are able to judge an act by the intentions that prompted the behavior rather than just by the consequences. Rules and judgments become less absolute and authoritarian. Rule violation is likely to be viewed in relation to the total context in which it appears. The situation and the morality of the rule itself influence reactions.

The nurse recognizes the involvement of which group greatly increases the success of anti-bullying efforts toward those that are bullies? a. The whole family b. School administration c. School psychologists d. Family primary practitioner

ANS: A School personnel such as administration and psychologists play an important role in implementing anti-bullying interventions, and the PCP may implement therapies; however, research has recognized that involving the whole family in anti-bullying programs greatly increases success.

A 9-year-old girl often comes to the school nurse complaining of stomach pains, and her teacher reports she has been aggressive in the classroom. How would the nurse interpret this behavior? a. A sign of stress b. A developmental delay c. A physical problem d. A lack of adjustment to school

ANS: A Signs of stress include stomach pains or headache, sleep problems, bed-wetting, changes in eating habits, aggressive or stubborn behavior, reluctance to participate, or regression to early behaviors. This child is exhibiting signs of stress.

Parents are concerned that their child is showing aggressive behaviors. Which suggestion would the nurse make to the parents? a. Supervise television viewing. b. Ignore the behavior. c. Punish the child for the behavior. d. Accept the behavior if the child is male.

ANS: A Television is also a significant source for modeling at this impressionable age. Research indicates there is a direct correlation between media exposure, both violent and educational media, and preschoolers exhibiting physical and relational aggression (Ostrov, Gentile, and Crick, 2006). Therefore, parents should be encouraged to supervise television viewing. The behavior should not be ignored because it can escalate to hyperaggression. The child should not be punished because it may reinforce the behavior if the child is seeking attention. For example, children who are ignored by a parent until they hit a sibling or the parent learn that this act garners attention. The behavior should not be accepted from a male child; this is using a "double standard" and aggression should not be equated with masculinity.

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 response is a. "all medicines should be locked securely away." b. "the medicines should be placed in 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 parent of an 18-month-old boy tells the nurse that he has rapid mood swings, and 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 is not getting enough 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 is a useful skill that the nurse would expect a 5-year-old child to be able to master? a. Tie shoelaces b. Use knife to cut meat c. Hammer a nail d. Make change out of a quarter

ANS: A Tying shoelaces is a fine motor task of 5-year-olds. Using a knife to cut meat is a fine motor task of a 7-year-old. Hammering a nail and making change out of a quarter are fine motor and cognitive tasks of an 8- to 9-year-old.

Which type of breath sound is normally heard over the entire surface of the lungs except for the upper intrascapular area and the area beneath the manubrium? a. Vesicular b. Bronchial c. Adventitious d. Bronchovesicular

ANS: A Vesicular breath sounds are heard over the entire surface of lungs, with the exception of the upper intrascapular area and the area beneath the manubrium. Bronchial breath sounds are heard only over the trachea near the suprasternal notch. Adventitious breath sounds are not usually heard over the chest. These sounds occur in addition to normal or abnormal breath sounds. Bronchovesicular breath sounds are heard over the manubrium and in the upper intrascapular regions where trachea and bronchi bifurcate.

In terms of gross motor development, which would the nurse expect a 5-month-old infant to do? (Select all that apply.) a. Roll from abdomen to back. b. Put feet in mouth when supine. c. Roll from back to abdomen. d. Sit erect without support. e. Move from prone to sitting position. f. Adjust posture to reach an object.

ANS: A, B Rolling from abdomen and to back and placing the feet in the mouth when supine are developmentally appropriate for a 5-month-old infant. The ability to roll from back to abdomen usually occurs at 6 months old. Sitting erect without support is a developmental milestone usually achieved by 8 months. The 10-month-old infant can usually move from a prone to a sitting position. The 8-month-old infant adjusts posture to reach an object.

Which toys would a nurse provide to promote imaginative play for a 3-year-old hospitalized child? (Select all that apply.) a. Plastic telephone b. Hand puppets c. Jigsaw puzzle (100 pieces) d. Farm animals and equipment e. Jump rope

ANS: A, B, D To promote imaginative play for a 3-year-old child, the nurse should provide: dress-up clothes, dolls, housekeeping toys, dollhouses, play-store toys, telephones, farm animals and equipment, village sets, trains, trucks, cars, planes, hand puppets, or medical kits. A 100-piece jigsaw puzzle and a jump rope would be appropriate for a young, school-age child but not a 3-year-old child.

The following account for nearly half of all deaths in infants younger than 1 year? (Select all that apply.) a. Congenital anomalies b. Sudden infant death syndrome c. Respiratory distress syndrome d. Bacterial sepsis of the newborn e. Disorders relating to short gestation

ANS: A, B, E Congenital anomalies, disorders relating to short gestation and unspecified LBW, newborn affected by maternal complications of pregnancy, and sudden infant death syndrome—accounted for about half (49.8%) of all deaths of infants younger than 1 year old (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2017a).

A nurse is teaching a parent about introduction of solid foods into an infant's diet. Which would the nurse include in the teaching session? (Select all that apply.) a. Solid food introduction can be started at 4 to 6 months of age. b. Iron fortified cereal is introduced first. c. Begin the introduction of solid foods by mixing with formula in the bottle. d. Introduce egg white in small quantities (1 tsp) at 6 months. e. Introduce one food at a time, usually at intervals of 4 to 7 days.

ANS: A, B, E Rice cereal, because of its low allergenic potential, is the first solid food introduced to an infant at 4 to 6 months of age. Introduce one food at a time, usually at intervals of 4 to 7 days, to identify food allergies. Introduce egg white in small quantities (1 tsp) toward the end of the first year to detect an allergy. Solid food introduction should be started at 4 to 6 months of age. Never introduce foods by mixing them with the formula in a bottle.

A nurse is teaching a parent about administration of iron supplements to a 7-month-old infant. Which would the nurse include in the teaching session? (Select all that apply.) a. Administer the iron supplement with a dropper toward the side and to the back of the mouth. b. Administer the iron supplement with feedings. c. Your infant's stools may look tarry green. d. Your infant may have some diarrhea initially. e. Follow the iron supplement with 4 ounces of juice.

ANS: A, C Liquid iron supplements may stain the teeth; therefore, administer them with a dropper toward the back of the mouth (side). Ideally, iron supplements should be administered between meals for greater absorption. Avoid administration of liquid iron supplements with whole cow's milk or milk products because they bind free iron and prevent absorption. Educate parents that iron supplements will turn stools black or tarry green. Iron supplements may cause transient constipation, not diarrhea. In older children, follow liquid iron supplement with a citrus fruit or juice drink (no more than 3 to 4 oz).

Which of the following data would be included in a health history? (Select all that apply.) a. Review of systems b. Medical insurance carrier c. Past medical history d. Nutritional assessment e. Family medical history

ANS: A, C, D, E The review of systems, sexual history, nutritional assessment, and family medical history are part of the health history. Physical assessment and growth measurements are components of the physical examination.

The nurse should teach the adolescent that the long-term effects of tanning can cause which conditions? (Select all that apply.) a. Phototoxic reactions b. Increased number of moles c. Premature aging d. Striae e. Increased risk of skin cancer

ANS: A, C, E Long-term effects of tanning include premature aging of the skin, increased risk of skin cancer, and, in susceptible individuals, phototoxic reactions. There has been no correlation to an increase in moles or striae (streaks or stripes on the skin, usually on the abdomen) development.

A nurse is planning to use an interpreter during a health history interview of a non-English speaking patient and family. Which nursing care guidelines would the nurse include when using an interpreter? (Select all that apply.) a. Elicit one answer at a time. b. Interrupt the interpreter if the response from the family is lengthy. c. Comments to the interpreter about the family should be made in English. d. Arrange for the family to speak with the same interpreter, if possible. e. Introduce the interpreter to the family.

ANS: A, D, E When using an interpreter, the nurse should pose questions to elicit only one answer at a time, such as: "Do you have pain?" rather than "Do you have any pain, tiredness, or loss of appetite?" Refrain from interrupting family members and the interpreter while they are conversing. Introduce the interpreter to family and allow some time before the interview for them to become acquainted. Refrain from interrupting family members and the interpreter while they are conversing. Avoid commenting to the interpreter about family members because they may understand some English

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.

A nurse makes the decision to apply a topical anesthetic to a child's skin before drawing blood. Which ethical principle is the nurse demonstrating? a. Autonomy b. Beneficence c. Justice d. Truthfulness

ANS: B Beneficence is the obligation to promote the patient's well-being. Applying a topical anesthetic before drawing blood promotes reducing the discomfort of the venipuncture. Autonomy is the patient's right to be self-governing. Justice is the concept of fairness. Truthfulness is the concept of honesty.

Which is descriptive of clinical reasoning? a. A simple developmental process b. A cognitive process used to analyze data c. Based on deliberate and irrational thought d. Assists individuals in guessing which is most appropriate

ANS: B Clinical reasoning is a complex, developmental process based on rational and deliberate thought. Clinical reasoning is not a developmental process. Clinical reasoning is based on rational and deliberate thought. Clinical reasoning is not a guessing process.

Which statement best describes fear in the school-age child? a. They are increasingly fearful for body safety. b. Most of the new fears that trouble them are related to school and family. c. They should be encouraged to hide their fears to prevent ridicule by peers. d. Those who have numerous fears need continuous protective behavior by parents to eliminate these fears.

ANS: B During the school-age years, children experience a wide variety of fears, but new fears relate predominantly to school and family. During the middle-school years, children become less fearful for body safety than they were as preschoolers. Parents and other persons involved with children should discuss children's fears with them individually or as a group activity. Sometimes school-age children hide their fears to avoid being teased. Hiding their fears does not end them and may lead to phobias.

A nurse is conducting parenting classes for parents of adolescents. Which parenting style should the nurse recommend? a. Laissez-faire b. Authoritative c. Disciplinarian d. Confrontational

ANS: B Parents should be guided toward an authoritative style of parenting in which authority is used to guide the adolescent while allowing developmentally appropriate levels of freedom and providing clear, consistent messages regarding expectations. The authoritative style of parenting has been shown to have both immediate and long-term protective effects toward adolescent risk reduction. The laissez-faire method would not give adolescents enough structure. The disciplinarian and confrontational styles would not allow any autonomy or independence.

Which statement supports the idea that older children have a need for conformity in group play? a. Individuality in play is better tolerated than at earlier ages. b. Knowing the rules of a game gives an important sense of belonging. c. They like to invent games, making up the rules as they go. d. Team play helps children learn the universal importance of competition and winning.

ANS: B Play involves increased physical skill, intellectual ability, and fantasy. Children form groups and cliques and develop a sense of belonging to a team or club. At this age, children begin to see the need for rules. Conformity and ritual permeate their play. Their games have fixed and unvarying rules, which may be bizarre and extraordinarily rigid. With team play, children learn about competition and the importance of winning, an attribute highly valued in the United States.

Which play item would 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 intervention would the nurse include when providing atraumatic care? a. Prepare the child for separation from parents during hospitalization by reviewing a video. b. Prepare the child before any unfamiliar treatment or procedure. c. Help the child accept the loss of control associated with hospitalization. d. Help the child accept pain that is connected with a treatment or procedure.

ANS: B Preparing the child for any unfamiliar treatments, controlling pain, allowing privacy, providing play activities for expression of fear and aggression, providing choices, and respecting cultural differences are components of atraumatic care. In the provision of atraumatic care, the separation of child from parents during hospitalization is minimized. The nurse should promote a sense of control for the child. Preventing and minimizing bodily injury and pain are major components of atraumatic care.

A 4-year-old child who is hospitalized with a bacterial infection tells the nurse that he is sick because he was "bad." Which is the nurse's best interpretation of this comment? a. Sign of stress b. Common at this age c. Suggestive of maladaptation d. Suggestive of excessive discipline at home

ANS: B Preschoolers cannot understand the cause and effect of illness. Their egocentrism makes them think they are directly responsible for events, making them feel guilty for things outside their control. Children of this age show stress by regressing developmentally or acting out. Maladaptation is unlikely. Telling the nurse that he is sick because he was "bad" does not imply excessive discipline at home.

The nurse is taking a health history on an adolescent. Which best describes how the chief complaint would be determined? a. Ask for detailed listing of symptoms. b. Ask adolescent, "Why did you come here today?" c. Use Which adolescent says to determine, in correct medical terminology, Which the problem is. d. Interview parent away from adolescent to determine chief complaint.

ANS: B The chief complaint is the specific reason for the child's visit to the clinic, office, or hospital. Because the adolescent is the focus of the history, this is an appropriate way to determine the chief complaint. A detailed listing of symptoms will make it difficult to determine the chief complaint. The adolescent should be prompted to tell which symptom caused him to seek help at this time. The chief complaint is usually written in the words that the parent or adolescent uses to describe the reason for seeking help. The parent and adolescent may be interviewed separately, but the nurse should determine the reason the adolescent is seeking attention at this time.

A 5-year-old girl is having a checkup before starting kindergarten. The nurse asks her to do the "finger-to-nose" test. Which is the nurse testing for? a. Deep tendon reflexes b. Cerebellar function c. Sensory discrimination d. Ability to follow directions

ANS: B The finger-to-nose test is an indication of cerebellar function. This test checks balance and coordination. Each deep tendon reflex is tested separately. Each sense is tested separately. Although this test enables the nurse to evaluate the child's ability to follow directions, it is used primarily for cerebellar function.

The clinic is lending a federally approved car seat to an infant's family. The nurse would explain that the safest place to put the car seat is a. front facing in back seat. b. rear facing in back seat. c. front facing in front seat with air bag on passenger side. d. rear facing in front seat if an air bag is on the passenger side.

ANS: B The rear-facing car seat provides the best protection for an infant's disproportionately heavy head and weak neck. The middle of the back seat is the safest position for the child. The infant must be rear facing to protect the head and neck in the event of an accident. Severe injuries and deaths in children have occurred from air bags deploying on impact in the front passenger seat.

Parents tell the nurse that they found their 3-year-old daughter and a male cousin of the same age inspecting each other closely as they used the bathroom. Which recommendation would the nurse make? a. Punish children so this behavior stops. b. Neither condone nor condemn the curiosity. c. Allow children unrestricted permission to satisfy this curiosity. d. Get counseling for this unusual and dangerous behavior.

ANS: B Three-year-olds become aware of anatomic differences and are concerned about how the other "works." Such exploration should not be condoned or condemned. Children should not be punished for this normal exploration. Encouraging the children to ask questions of the parents and redirecting their activity are more appropriate than giving permission. Exploration is age-appropriate and not dangerous behavior.

According to Erikson, which psychosocial task is developing in adolescence? a. Intimacy b. Identity c. Initiative d. Independence

ANS: B Traditional psychosocial theory holds that the developmental crises of adolescence lead to the formation of a sense of identity. Intimacy is the developmental stage for early adulthood. Independence is not one of Erikson's developmental stages.

Which is an important consideration for the nurse who is communicating directly to a young child? a. Speak loudly, clearly, and directly. b. Use transition objects, such as a doll. c. Approach rapidly with a broad smile. d. Initiate contact with child when parent is not present.

ANS: B Using a transition object allows the young child an opportunity to evaluate an unfamiliar person (the nurse). This will facilitate communication with a child this age. Speaking in this manner will tend to increase anxiety in very young children. The nurse must be honest with the child. Attempts at deception will lead to a lack of trust. Whenever possible, the parent should be present for interactions with young children.

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.

When teaching injury prevention during the school-age years, which would the nurse include? a. Promote the fear of strangers. b. Basic rules of water safety. c. Avoidance of microwave cooking. d. Emphasize the negative aspects of competitive sports.

ANS: B Water safety instruction is an important source of injury prevention at this age. The child should be taught to swim, select safe and supervised places to swim, swim with a companion, check for sufficient water depth before diving, and use an approved flotation device. Teach stranger safety, not fear of strangers. This includes instructing children to not go with strangers, not wear personalized clothing in public places, tell parents if anyone makes child feel uncomfortable, and say "no" in uncomfortable situations. Teach child safe cooking. Caution against engaging in hazardous sports such as those involving trampolines.

Which behaviors by the nurse indicate a therapeutic relationship with children and families? (Select all that apply.) a. Spending off-duty time with children and families b. Asking questions if families are not participating in the care c. Clarifying information for families d. Buying toys for a hospitalized child e. Learning about the family's religious preferences

ANS: B, C, E Asking questions if families are not participating in the care, clarifying information for families, and learning about the family's religious preferences are positive actions and foster therapeutic relationships with children and families. Spending off-duty time with children and families and buying toys for a hospitalized child are negative actions and indicate overinvolvement with children and families, which is nontherapeutic.

What is the leading causes of death in the adolescent age group? (Select all that apply.) a. Cancer b. Suicide c. Drug overdoses d. Motor vehicle crashes e. Homicide

ANS: B, D, E Forty percent of all adolescent deaths in the United States are the result of motor vehicle accidents. Drownings, firearms, and drug overdoses are major concerns in adolescence but are not the most common cause of death

2. A nurse teaches parents that team play is important for school-age children. Which can children develop by experiencing team play? (Select all that apply.) a. Achieve personal goals over group goals. b. Learn complex rules. c. Experience competition. d. Learn about division of labor. e. Intellectual growth.

ANS: B, D, E Team play helps stimulate cognitive growth because children are called on to learn many complex rules, make judgments about those rules, plan strategies, and assess the strengths and weaknesses of members of their own team and members of the opposing team. Team play can also contribute to children's social, intellectual, and skill growth. Children work hard to develop the skills needed to become team members, to improve their contribution to the group, and to anticipate the consequences of their behavior for the group. Team play teaches children to modify or exchange personal goals for goals of the group; it also teaches them that division of labor is an effective strategy for attaining a goal.

In terms of language and cognitive development, a 4-year-old child would be expected to have which traits? (Select all that apply.) a. Think in abstract terms. b. Less egocentrism developed. c. Understand conservation of matter. d. Use sentences of eight words. e. Understands time better. f. Comprehend another person's perspective.

ANS: B, E Children ages 3 to 4 years can give and follow simple commands and tell exaggerated stories. Children cannot think abstractly at age 4 years. Conservation of matter is a developmental task of the school-age child. Five-year-old children use sentences with eight words with all parts of speech. A 4-year-old child cannot comprehend another's perspective.

A nurse is collecting subjective and objective information about target populations to diagnose problems based on community needs. This describes which step in the community nursing process? a. Planning b. Diagnosis c. Assessment d. Establishing objectives

ANS: C Assessment is a continuous process that operates at all phases of problem solving and is the foundation for decision making. Assessment involves multiple nursing skills and consists of the purposeful collection, classification, and analysis of data from a variety of sources. Diagnosing is the next step of the nursing process when the problem is identified. The nurse should establish objectives for the activity before starting the nursing process

A nurse is reviewing hormone changes that occur during adolescence. What is the hormone responsible for the growth of beard, mustache, and body hair in the male? a. Estrogen b. Pituitary c. Androgen d. Progesterone

ANS: C Beard, mustache, and body hair on the chest, upward along the linea alba, and sometimes on other areas (e.g., back and shoulders) appears in males and is androgen-dependent. Estrogen and progesterone are produced by the ovaries in the female and do not contribute to body hair appearance in the male. The pituitary hormone does not have any relationship to body hair appearance in the male.

According to Piaget, which describes magical thinking common in preschool age children? a. Events have cause and effect. b. God is like an imaginary friend. c. Thoughts are all-powerful. d. If the skin is broken, the child's insides will come out.

ANS: C Because of their egocentrism and transductive reasoning, preschoolers believe that thoughts are all-powerful. Cause-and-effect implies logical thought, not magical thinking. Thinking God is like an imaginary friend is an example of concrete thinking in a preschooler's spiritual development. Thinking that if the skin is broken, the child's insides will come out is an example of concrete thinking in development of body image.

By which age should concerns about pubertal delay be considered in boys? a. 11 years b. 12 years c. 14 years d. 15 years

ANS: C Concerns about pubertal delay should be considered for boys who exhibit no enlargement of the testes or scrotal changes from 131/2 to 14 years. Ages 12 to 131/2 years is too young for initial concern

Which is an appropriate screening test for hearing that can be administered by the nurse to a 5-year-old child? a. Auditory brainstem response b. Behavioral audiometry c. Pure tone audiometry d. Eliciting the startle reflex

ANS: C Conventional audiometry is a behavioral test that measures auditory thresholds in response to speech and frequency-specific stimuli presented through earphones. The Rinne and Weber tests measure bone conduction of sound. Eliciting the startle reflex may be useful in infants.

Which injury prevention efforts are emphasized during the preschool period? a. Constant vigilance and protection b. Punishment for unsafe behaviors c. Education for safety and potential hazards d. Limitation of physical activities

ANS: C Education for safety and potential hazards is appropriate for preschoolers because they can begin to understand dangers. Constant vigilance and protection is not practical at this age because preschoolers are becoming more independent. Punishment may make children scared of trying new things. Limitation of physical activities is not appropriate.

The parent of a 2-week-old infant, exclusively breastfed, asks the nurse if fluoride supplements are needed. Which is the nurse's best response? a. "She needs to begin taking them now." b. "They are not needed if you drink fluoridated water." c. "She may need to begin taking them at age 6 months." d. "She can have infant cereal mixed with fluoridated water instead of supplements."

ANS: C Fluoride supplementation is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics beginning at age 6 months if the child is not drinking adequate amounts of fluoridated water (0.3 ppm). The amount of water that is ingested and the amount of fluoride in the water are taken into account when supplementation is being considered.

A nurse is assessing a 12-month-old infant. Which statement best describes the infant's physical development a nurse would expect to find? a. Anterior fontanel closes by age 6 to 10 months. b. Binocularity is well established by age 8 months. c. Birth weight triples by age 1 year. d. Maternal iron stores persist during the first 12 months of life.

ANS: C Growth is very rapid during the first year of life. The birth weight has approximately doubled by age 5 to 6 months and triples by age 1 year. The anterior fontanel closes at age 12 to 18 months. Binocularity is not established until age 15 months. Maternal iron stores are usually depleted by age 6 months.

The school nurse tells adolescents in the clinic that confidentiality and privacy will be maintained unless a legal duty arises. How should this practice be interpreted? a. Not appropriate in a school setting b. Never appropriate because adolescents are minors c. Important in establishing trusting relationships d. Suggestive that the nurse is meeting his or her own needs

ANS: C Health professionals who work with adolescents should consider adolescents' increasing independence and responsibility while maintaining privacy and ensuring confidentiality. However, in some circumstances, such as self-destructive behavior or maltreatment by others, they are not able to maintain confidentiality. Confidentiality and privacy are necessary to build trust with this age group. The nurse must be aware of the limits placed on confidentiality by local jurisdiction.

Why are imaginary playmates beneficial to the preschool child? a. Take the place of social interactions b. Take the place of pets and other toys c. Become friends in times of loneliness d. Accomplish what the child has already successfully accomplished

ANS: C One purpose of an imaginary friend is to be a friend in time of loneliness. Imaginary friends do not take the place of social interaction, but may encourage conversation. Imaginary friends do not take the place of pets or toys. Imaginary friends accomplish what the child is still attempting.

A nurse is assigned to four children of different ages. In which age group would the nurse understand that body integrity is a concern? a. Toddler b. Preschooler c. School-age child d. Adolescent

ANS: C School-age children have a heightened concern about body integrity. They place importance and value on their bodies and are oversensitive to anything that constitutes a threat or suggestion of injury. Body integrity is not as important a concern to toddlers, preschoolers, or adolescents.

At which age can most infants sit steadily unsupported? a. 4 months b. 6 months c. 8 months d. 10 months

ANS: C Sitting erect without support is a developmental milestone usually achieved by 8 months. At age 4 months, an infant can sit with support. At age 6 months, the infant will maintain a sitting position if propped. By 10 months, the infant can maneuver from a prone to a sitting position.

When doing a nutritional assessment on a Hispanic family, the nurse learns that their diet consists mainly of vegetables, legumes, and starches. How would the nurse assess this diet? a. Indicates they live in poverty b. Is lacking in protein c. May provide sufficient amino acids d. Should be enriched with meat and milk

ANS: C The diet that contains vegetable, legumes, and starches may provide sufficient essential amino acids, even though the actual amount of meat or dairy protein is low. Many cultures use diets that contain this combination of foods. Combinations of foods contain the essential amino acids necessary for growth. A dietary assessment should be done, but many vegetarian diets are sufficient for growth.

Which depicts accurate documentation for a dressing change on a child who has an appendectomy incision? a. Dressing change to appendectomy incision completed, child tolerated procedure well, parent present b. No complications noted during dressing change to appendectomy incision c. Appendectomy incision non-reddened, sutures intact, no drainage noted on old dressing, new dressing applied, procedure tolerated well by child d. No changes to appendectomy incisional area, dressing changed, child complained of pain during procedure, new dressing clean, dry and intact

ANS: C The nurse should document assessments and reassessments. Appearance of the incision described in objective terms should be included during a dressing change. The nurse should document patient's response and the outcomes of the care provided. In this example, these include drainage on the old dressing, the application of the new dressing, and the child's response. The other statements partially fulfill the requirements of documenting assessments and reassessments, patient's response, and outcome, but do not include all three.

Which action by the nurse demonstrates use of evidence-based practice (EBP)? a. Gathering equipment for a procedure b. Documenting changes in a patient's status c. Questioning the practice of daily central line dressing changes d. Clarifying a physician's prescription for morphine

ANS: C The nurse who questions the daily central line dressing change is ascertaining whether clinical interventions result in positive outcomes for patients. This demonstrates EBP, which implies questioning why something is effective and whether a better approach exists. Gathering equipment for a procedure and documenting changes in a patient's status are practices that follow established guidelines. Clarifying a physician's prescription for morphine constitutes safe nursing care.

When communicating with other professionals, which is important for the nurse to do? a. Ask others what they want to know. b. Share everything known about the family. c. Restrict communication to clinically relevant information. d. Recognize that confidentiality is not possible.

ANS: C The nurse will need to share, through both oral and written communication, clinically relevant information with other involved health professionals. Asking others what they want to know and sharing everything known about the family is inappropriate. Patients have a right to confidentiality. The nurse is not permitted to share information about clients, except clinically relevant information that pertains to the child's care. Confidentiality permits the disclosure of information to other health professionals on a need-to-know basis.

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. Stay calm and ignore the behavior. 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 nurse on a pediatric unit is practicing family-centered care. Which is most descriptive of the care the nurse is delivering? a. Taking over total care of the child to reduce stress on the family b. Encouraging family dependence on health care systems c. Recognizing that the family is the constant in a child's life d. Excluding families from the decision-making process

ANS: C The three key components of family-centered care are respect, collaboration, and support. Family-centered care recognizes the family as the constant in the child's life. Taking over total care does not include the family in the process and may increase stress instead of reducing stress. The family should be enabled and empowered to work with the health care system. The family is expected to be part of the decision-making process

By which age would the nurse expect that most children could obey prepositional phrases such as "under," "on top of," "beside," and "behind"? a. 18 months b. 24 months c. 3 years d. 4 years

ANS: D At 4 years, children can understand directional phrases. Children at 18 months, 24 months, and 3 years are too young.

Parents of a newborn are concerned because the infant's eyes often "look crossed" when the infant is looking at an object. The nurse's response is that this is normal based on the knowledge that binocularity is normally present by which age? a. 1 to 2 weeks b. 1 to 2 months c. 3 to 4 weeks d. 3 to 4 months

ANS: D Binocularity is usually achieved by ages 3 to 4 months. 1 month is too young. If binocularity is not achieved by ages 6 to 12 months, the child must be observed for strabismus.

How does the nurse assess a child's capillary refill time? a. Inspecting the chest b. Auscultating the heart c. Palpating the apical pulse d. Pressing the pad of the fingertip

ANS: D Capillary refill time is assessed by pressing lightly on the skin to produce blanching, and then noting the amount of time it takes for the blanched area to refill. Inspecting the chest, auscultating the heart, and palpating the apical pulse will not provide an assessment of capillary refill time

The nurse would include which associated risk when planning a teaching session about childhood obesity? a. Type I diabetes b. Respiratory disease c. Celiac disease d. Type II diabetes

ANS: D Childhood obesity has been associated with the rise of type II diabetes in children. Type I diabetes is not associated with obesity and has a genetic component. Respiratory disease is not associated with obesity, and celiac disease is the inability to metabolize gluten in foods and is not associated with obesity.

The school nurse is conducting a class on bicycle safety. Which statement made by a participant indicates a need for further teaching? a. "Most bicycle injuries occur from a fall off the bicycle." b. "Head injuries are the major causes of bicycle-related fatalities." c. "I should replace my helmet every 5 years." d. "I can ride double with a friend only if the bicycle has an extra-large seat."

ANS: D Children should not ride double. Most injuries result from falls. The most important aspect of bicycle safety is to encourage the rider to use a protective helmet. Head injuries are the major cause of bicycle-related fatalities. The child should always wear a properly fitted helmet approved by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission and should replace the helmet at least every 5 years.

Parents tell the nurse that their 6-month-old son often sleeps with them. They seem unconcerned about this. The nurse's response would be based on which statement? a. Separation from parents should be completed by this age. b. Daytime attention should be increased. c. This is a common and accepted practice, especially in some cultural groups. d. Infants should not sleep in an adult bed due to the risk of suffocation.

ANS: D Co-sleeping, or sharing the family bed, in which the parents allow the children to sleep with them, is a common and accepted practice in many cultures. Parents should evaluate the options available and avoid conditions that place the infant at risk. Population-based studies are currently under way; no evidence at this time supports or condemns the practice for safety reasons. Co-sleeping is a cultural practice. One year is the age at which children are just beginning to individuate. Increased daytime activity may help decrease sleep problems in general, but co-sleeping is a culturally determined phenomenon.

The nurse is having difficulty communicating with a hospitalized 6-year-old child. Which technique might be most helpful? a. Suggest that the child keep a diary. b. Suggest that the parent read fairy tales to the child. c. Ask the parent if the child is always stubborn and uncommunicative. d. Ask the child to draw a picture.

ANS: D Drawing is one of the most valuable forms of communication and tell a great deal about the child because they are projections of their inner self. A diary is appropriate for older children. Reading a fairy tale to the child by the parent is not likely to assist in the nurse/child communication. The nurse is not displaying patience by asking the parent if the child is always stubborn and uncommunicative.

The nurse recommends to parents that peanuts are not a good snack food for toddlers. Which 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.

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

What is the initial indication of puberty in most girls? a. Menarche b. Growth spurt c. Growth of pubic hair d. Breast development

ANS: D In most girls, the initial indication of puberty is the appearance of breast buds, an event known as thelarche. The usual sequence of secondary sex characteristic development in girls is breast changes, rapid increase in height and weight, growth of pubic hair, appearance of axillary hair, menstruation, and abrupt deceleration of linear growth.

During examination of a toddler's extremities, the nurse notes that the child is bowlegged. Which would the nurse recognize regarding this finding? a. Abnormal and requires further investigation b. Abnormal unless it occurs in conjunction with knock-knee c. Normal if the condition is unilateral or asymmetric d. Normal because the lower back and leg muscles are not yet well developed

ANS: D Lateral bowing of the tibia (bowlegged) is common in toddlers when they begin to walk. It usually persists until all their lower back and leg muscles are well developed. Further evaluation is needed if it persists beyond ages 2 to 3 years, especially in African-American children.

Which is characteristic of dishonest behavior in older children a. Cheating during games is now more common. b. Lying results from the inability to distinguish between fact and fantasy. c. They may steal because their sense of property rights is limited. d. They may lie to meet expectations set by others that they have been unable to attain.

ANS: D Older school-age children may lie to meet expectations set by others to which they have been unable to measure up. Cheating usually becomes less frequent as the child matures. In this age group, children are able to distinguish between fact and fantasy. Young children may lack a sense of property rights; older children may steal to supplement an inadequate allowance, or it may be an indication of serious problems.

The role of the peer group in the life of school-age children provides a. opportunity to become defiant. b. time to remain dependent on their parents for a longer time. c. time to establish a one-on-one relationship with the opposite sex. d. security as they gain independence from their parents.

ANS: D Peer-group identification is an important factor in gaining independence from parents. Children learn how to relate to people in positions of leadership and authority and how to explore ideas and the physical environment. Becoming defiant in a peer-group relationship may lead to bullying. Peer-group identification helps in gaining independence rather than remaining dependent. One-on-one opposite sex relationships do not occur until adolescence. School-age children form peer groups of the same sex.

When palpating the child's cervical lymph nodes, the nurse notes that they are tender, enlarged, and warm. Which is the best explanation for this? a. A cancerous lesion b. Local scalp infection common in children c. Mild otitis media d. Infection or inflammation close to the site

ANS: D Small nontender nodes are normal. Tender, enlarged, and warm lymph nodes may indicate infection or inflammation close to their location. Tender lymph nodes are not usually indicative of cancer. A scalp infection would usually not cause inflamed lymph nodes. The lymph nodes close to the site of inflammation or infection would be inflamed.

A school nurse is teaching dental health practices to a group of sixth-grade children. How often would the nurse recommend the children brush their teeth? a. Twice a day; after breakfast and dinner b. Three times a day; after breakfast, lunch and dinner c. After meals only d. After meals, after snacks, and at bedtime

ANS: D Teeth should be brushed after meals, after snacks, and at bedtime. Children who brush their teeth frequently and become accustomed to the feel of a clean mouth at an early age usually maintain the habit throughout life. Twice a day, three times a day, or after meals would not be often enough.

A nurse is planning care for a 17-month-old child. According to Piaget, which stage would 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.

Which immunization should adolescents receive annually? a. DTaP (tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis) b. MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) c. Hepatitis B d. Influenza e. MCV4 (meningococcal)

ANS: D The DTaP (tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis) vaccine is recommended for adolescents 11 to 18 years old who have not received a tetanus booster (Td) or DTaP dose and have completed the childhood DTaP/DTP series. Meningococcal vaccine (MCV4) should be given to adolescents 11 to 12 years of age with a booster dose at age 16 years. Annual influenza vaccination with either the live attenuated influenza vaccine or trivalent influenza vaccine is recommended for all children and adolescents. The adolescent, previously up to date on vaccinations, would have received the MMR and hepatitis B as a child.

The parents of a newborn say that their toddler is aggressive toward the infant and has commented the infant should "go back in mommy's tummy". 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 toddlers. They do not hate or resent the infant; rather, they hate the changes that this additional sibling produces, especially the separation from mother during the birth. This is a normal response.

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. Which would the nurse explain to the father? a. This behavior is abnormal b. Used as a way to exert unhealthy control c. Regression is common at this age d. Ritualism is 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.

The parents of a 9-month-old infant tell the nurse that they have noticed foods such as peas and corn are not completely digested and can be seen in their infant's stools. The nurse's explanation of this is based on which statement? a. Child should not be given fibrous foods until digestive tract matures at age 4 years. b. Child should not be given any solid foods until this digestive problem is resolved. c. This is abnormal and requires further investigation. d. This is normal because of the immaturity of digestive processes at this age.

ANS: D The immaturity of the digestive tract is evident in the appearance of the stools. Solid foods are passed incompletely broken down in the feces. An excess quantity of fiber predisposes the child to large, bulky stools. This is normal for the child and is a normal part of the maturational process; no further investigation is necessary.

Which is the single most important factor to consider when communicating with children? a. Physical condition b. Nonverbal behaviors c. Presence or absence of a parent d. Developmental level of language

ANS: D The nurse must be aware of the child's developmental stage to engage in effective communication. The use of both verbal and nonverbal communication should be appropriate to the developmental level. Although the child's physical condition is a consideration, developmental level is much more important. The parents' presence is important when communicating with young children but may be detrimental when speaking with adolescents. Nonverbal behaviors will vary in importance, based on the child's developmental level.

A parent asks the nurse about negativism in toddlers. Which is the most appropriate recommendation? a. Punish the child. b. Provide more attention. c. Ignore the child who says "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."

A nurse has established several health programs, such as bicycle safety, to improve the health status of a target population. This describes which step in the community nursing process? a. Planning b. Evaluation c. Assessment d. Implementation

ANS: D The nurse working with the community to put into practice a program to reach community goals is the implementation phase of the community nursing process. Planning involves designing the program to meet community-centered goals. The evaluation stage would determine the effectiveness of the program. During the assessment phase, the nurse would identify the resources necessary and the barriers that would interfere with implementation.

An adolescent boy tells the nurse that he has recently had homosexual feelings. What knowledge should the nurse's response be based on? a. This indicates the adolescent is homosexual. b. This indicates the adolescent will become homosexual as an adult. c. The adolescent should be referred for psychotherapy. d. Sexual orientation encompasses several dimensions.

ANS: D These adolescents are at increased risk for health-damaging behaviors, not because of the sexual behavior itself, but because of society's reaction to the behavior. The nurse's first priority is to give the young man permission to discuss his feelings about this topic, knowing that the nurse will maintain confidentiality, appreciate his feelings, and remain sensitive to his need to talk about the topic. In recent studies among self-identified gay, lesbian, and bisexual adolescents, many of the adolescents report changing self-labels one or more times during their adolescence. An assessment must be made about any risks to himself or others. If these do not exist, the adolescent needs a supportive person to talk with.

The parents of a 3-month-old infant report that their infant sleeps supine (face up) but is often prone (face down) while awake. Which knowledge would the nurse's response should be based? a. Unacceptable because of the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) b. Unacceptable because it does not encourage achievement of developmental milestones c. Acceptable to encourage fine motor development d. Acceptable to encourage head control and turning over

ANS: D These parents are implementing the guidelines to reduce the risk of SIDS. Infants should sleep on their backs and then be placed on their abdomens when awake to enhance development of milestones such as head control. The face-down position while awake and on the back for sleep are acceptable because they reduce risk of SIDS and allow achievement of developmental milestones. These position changes encourage gross motor, not fine motor, development.

In terms of fine motor development, which would the 3-year-old child be expected to do? a. Lace shoes and tie shoelaces with a bow. b. Use scissors to cut pictures, and print a few numbers. c. Draw a person with seven parts and correctly identify the parts. d. Draw a circle and name what has been drawn.

ANS: D Three-year-olds are able to accomplish this fine motor skill. Being able to lace shoes and tie shoelaces with a bow, use scissors to cut pictures, and print a few numbers, or draw a person with seven parts and correctly identify the parts are fine motor skills of 4- or 5-year-olds.

Which would the nurse expect of a healthy 3-year-old child? a. Jump rope b. Ride a two-wheel bicycle c. Skip on alternate feet d. Balance on one foot for a few seconds

ANS: D Three-year-olds are able to accomplish this gross motor skill. Jumping rope, riding a two-wheel bicycle, and skipping on alternate feet are gross motor skills of 5-year-olds.

Which factor predisposes 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. 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.

Which following parameters correlates best with measurements of the body's total protein stores? a. Height b. Weight c. Skinfold thickness d. Upper arm circumference

ANS: D Upper arm circumference is correlated with measurements of total muscle mass. Muscle serves as the body's major protein reserve and is considered an index of the body's protein stores. Height is reflective of past nutritional status. Weight is indicative of current nutritional status. Skinfold thickness is a measurement of the body's fat content.

Which would the nurse recognize when asked to present sex education to fifth graders? a. Children in fifth grade are too young for sex education. b. Children should be discouraged from asking too many questions. c. Correct terminology should be reserved for children who are older. d. Sex can be presented as a normal part of growth and development.

ANS: D When sexual information is presented to school-age children, sex should be treated as a normal part of growth and development. Fifth-graders are usually 10 or 11 years old. This age is not too young to speak about physiologic changes in their bodies. They should be encouraged to ask questions. Preadolescents need precise and concrete information.