Peds Chapter 26 growth and development of the toddler
The pediatric nurse is planning quiet activities for a hospitalized 18-month-old. What would be an appropriate activity for this age group?
Stacking blocks
Parents and their nearly 3-year-old child have returned to the clinic for a follow-up appointment. Which of the findings may signal a speech delay?
Uses two-word sentences or phrases
A nurse is presenting a class on toilet training to a group of parents with toddlers. Which information would the nurse include in the class? Select all that apply.
Using training pants that slide down easily and quickly Praising the child when he or she urinates or defecates Putting the child on the potty chair at regular intervals during the day
The nurse is talking to the parent of a 19-month-old toddler about setting limits and supervising activities. In which situation will the nurse recommend letting the toddler do as he or she pleases?
exploring one's body
The parents of a 2-year-old girl are concerned with her behavior. For which behavior would the nurse share their concern?
frequently babbles to herself when playing
A parent is concerned because the toddler refuses to share. What is the nurse's best response to the parent regarding this concern?
This is normal toddler behavior; sharing is learned later.
The nurse is providing anticipatory guidance to the parents of an 18-month-old child. Which recommendation should be the most helpful to the parents?
Describe proper behavior when the child misbehaves.
A mother reports her 2-year-old daughter has gradually eaten more and more poorly since her 1-year-old well-child visit. The nurse assesses the child's growth and development as normal. What concept explains the mother's concern?
physiologic anorexia
Parents of a toddler describe how they handled their child's temper tantrum in a shopping mall. What action of the parents indicates need for additional teaching?
Reasoned with the child to stop the behavior
The nurse is observing a 36-month-old boy during a well-child visit. Which motor skill has he most recently acquired?
undress himself
The nurse is discussing sensory development with the mother of a 2-year-old boy. Which parental comment suggests the child may have a sensory problem?
"He doesn't respond if I wave to him."
What statement by the mother of a 20-month-old indicates a need for further teaching about nutrition?
"I give my daughter juice at breakfast and when she is thirsty during the day."
The nurse is educating a parent regarding child safety for the 14-month-old toddler. What would the nurse include in the educational plan?
Maintain supervision when the child is near stoves, ovens, irons and other hot items the child could reach.
The nurse is providing education to a teen mother about her 20-month-old daughter's growth. The teen says her daughter seems to have such a big head. What information should the nurse include in the response?
Share that the heads of children at this age are large in proportion to the rest of their body.
During a well-child visit, the nurse observes the child saying "no" to her mother quite frequently. The mother asks the nurse, "How do I deal with her saying no all the time?" What would be appropriate for the nurse to suggest? Select all that apply.
"Limit the number of questions you ask of her." "Make a statement instead of asking a question." "Offer her two options from which to choose."
The nurse is teaching parents how to avoid a power struggle with their 2-year-old girl. Which comment indicates that more teaching is needed?
"We will make sure she shares her toys with cousins her age."
Once a temper tantrum has started, which intervention is appropriate?
Move objects out of the way or move the toddler to prevent injury.
A toddler's parents want to begin toilet training. As a rule, the best instruction the nurse could give them is:
bowel training is easier than urine training.
By what age should the child know his/her own gender?
3 years
The parent of a 2-year-old client states it is the child's naptime. The child is refusing to take a nap and cries, "I have to put my babies to sleep first!" The parent states, "I am so sorry, I do not know what is wrong. My child does not act this way at home. My child has 2 baby dolls we rock to sleep each day at home before nap." Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
"A 2-year-old child's behavior can be greatly altered if rituals are not maintained."
A 3-year-old child is seen at the clinic for a checkup. When collecting information, the child's parent reports concern about the child's stools because sometimes the child passes what appears to be undigested food. What response by the nurse is appropriate?
"At this age, the digestive tract is not completely mature and children may pass undigested food."
A mother is concerned because her 14-month-old son, who had a big appetite when breastfeeding a few months ago, seems uninterested in eating solid food. She still breastfeeds him daily but is thinking of weaning him soon. How should the nurse respond to this mother?
"It is normal for toddlers to lose their appetites; try starting him with just a tablespoonful of food on his plate."
During the toddler years, the child attempts to become autonomous. Which statement by a 3-year-old toddler's caregiver indicates that the toddler is developing autonomy?
"My toddler uses the potty chair and is dry all day long."
During a visit to the pediatric clinic the mother of a 2-year-old tells the nurse that her husband is concerned that their son isn't potty trained yet. The mother states, "There is no way he could be potty trained. His bladder is too small." How should the nurse respond?
"The bladder of a 2-year-old is actually the size of an adult's bladder, but there are a lot of variables to when a child is potty-trained."
The parent of a 20-month-old toddler reports the toddler has been becoming distraught when the parent leaves. The parent asks the nurse for advice about what is going on and how to best manage it. What information can be provided? Select all that apply.
"This is a normal happening for a toddler of this age." "As your toddler begins to learn that you will return the toddler will become less upset." "Establishing a routine for saying goodbye to your toddler will be helpful."
The parent of a toddler notices the child plays nicely next to another toddler but does not play with that child. The parent expresses concern about this behavior to the nurse during an examination. Which response by the nurse is appropriate?
"This is called parallel play and is normal for this age group."
The mother of a 15-month-old son is returning to work and wants to place her son in the day care close to work; however, they will only accept potty-trained children. Which response from the nurse will best address this situation in answering the mother's questions of how best to potty train her son?
"Wait a few more months until your son has more muscle control and shows signs that he's ready to be potty trained."
The nurse is teaching the parents of a 2-year-old child how to handle the child's temper tantrums. The nurse determines that the teaching was successful if the parents make which statement?
"We will ignore our child while having the tantrum."
A group of caregivers are discussing the form of discipline in which the child is placed in a "time-out" chair. Which statement made by these caregivers is appropriate related to this form of discipline?
"When my child starts getting frustrated and aggressive, I remind the child throwing a fit will end up in a time-out."
The father of a 2-year-old girl tells the nurse that he and his wife would like to begin toilet training their daughter soon. He asks when the right time is to begin this process. What should the nurse say in response?
"When she starts tugging on a wet or dirty diaper, she is letting you know she's ready."
A 3-year-old child is hospitalized. The parents are concerned because the child is now refusing to use the potty and is wetting the bed even though the child has achieved toilet training. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
"Your child is experiencing regression as a result of stress."
While observing a 13-month-old and her parents in the playroom of the hospital unit, the nurse notes that the toddler is using her index finger to point towards a toy. What should the nurse say to the parents?
"Your daughter is demonstrating fine motor skills appropriate to her age by pointing with her index finger."
The nurse is caring for an 18-month-old child who has had surgery. The medical record indicates the child weighs 23 pounds (10.45 kg). When monitoring his urinary output the nurse is aware that normal hourly output should be what value?
10 ml/hr
A pediatric nurse is providing care to several children. The nurse is reviewing the assessment findings for each of the children. Which finding requires the nurse to intervene?
3-year-old preschool-aged child who goes up stairs on hands and knees
The nurse is providing parental anticipatory guidance to promote healthy emotional development in a 12-month-old boy. Which statement best accomplishes this?
A regular routine and rituals will provide stability and security.
The parents of a 30-month-old toddler have brought the toddler into the emergency department because of a seizure. During the health history, the nurse learns that the toddler was frustrated and angry immediately preceding the seizure. The nurse suspects the toddler had a breath-holding spell. Which parental report suggests breath-holding?
A tantrum preceded the event.
A 13-month-old child is brought to the clinic for a well-child visit. The child's parent expresses concern that the child has not started to walk yet. What is the best action should the nurse take?
Explain that children can take their first steps as late as 18 months of age.
What is a true statement regarding the developmental milestones of the 30-month-old child?
Full set of primary teeth
The nurse finds the diet of a 30-month-old girl to be low in calcium. What suggestion can significantly increase this toddler's calcium intake?
Give her slices of cheddar cheese as a snack.
The nurse has completed an examination of a 32-month-old girl with normal gross and fine motor skills. Which observation would suggest the child is experiencing a problem with language development?
Her vocabulary is between 10 and 15 words.
Which action is appropriate to enhance a toddler's self-esteem?
Include the child in activities that interest the adult.
A nursing instructor is leading a class discussion exploring the various aspects of Erikson's theories of the developmental tasks of toddlers. The instructor determines the session is successful when the students correctly choose which task as a priority for toddlers?
Learning to act on one's own
A group of students is reviewing material about ways parents can help to foster a child's self-esteem. The students demonstrate a need for additional studying when they identify which method as promoting self-esteem?
Limiting the choices and decisions that the child makes
The parents of a 2-year-old boy report to the nurse that their child is "such a picky eater." Which recommendation would be most helpful for developing healthy eating habits in this child?
Offering a variety of foods along with the foods the child likes.
A mother of a 2-year-old asks the nurse, "What would be a good between-meal snack?" What foods would be appropriate for the nurse to suggest? Select all that apply.
Pieces of apples Orange slices Cheese Yogurt
The nurse is preparing a presentation for a health fair which will illustrate various ways to help introduce siblings to a new member of the family. Which suggestion should the nurse prioritize to help older siblings, especially toddlers, understand the change in the family dynamics?
Plan time for the primary caregiver to focus on the toddler while the secondary caregiver focuses on the infant.
Which gross motor developmental milestone is least likely for a 2-year-old?
Rides a tricycle
A stay-at-home father wants to purchase commercial toddler meals because his 16-month-old girl recently choked on table food. Which food items will the nurse suggest not be given to this child? Select all that apply.
Round foods such as hot dogs, whole grapes, and cherry tomatoes Hard foods such as nuts, raw carrots, and popcorn Sticky foods like peanut butter alone, gummy candies, and marshmallows
The father of a toddler reports his son says "no" every time he attempts to correct him. What is the best advice the nurse can offer to the parent?
Saying no is your son's way of trying to exert his independence and is expected.
Parents of 3-year-old boy ask the nurse for suggestions on how to deal with their son's nightmares. Which suggestion would be least effective?
Talk to him that night about the details of the dreams.
During a wellness care visit, the parents of a 2-year-old toddler report that they are struggling to deal with their toddler's daily and increasing number of tantrums. What information should be provided to the parents? Select all that apply.
Tantrums are a common occurrence for a toddler of this age. Maintaining a consistent daily routine can help to reduce tantrums. Ignoring the behavior is often helpful in reducing the duration of the tantrum.
The nurse is examining a 2-year-old girl for speech and language development. Which finding would suggest a delay in speech development?
The child does not use the names of familiar objects.
In discussing their 2-year-old's behavior with the nurse, which of the parents' statements suggests the child may be ready for toilet teaching?
The child hides behind her bedroom door when defecating.
The nurse is assessing a healthy 2-year-old client. Which assessment finding most concerns the nurse?
The child speaks in one-word sentences.
The home health nurse is visiting a 2-year-old client's home. Which finding will cause the nurse to intervene?
The family's medications are located in a kitchen drawer.
The nurse is explaining safety precautions for toddlers to the mother of a normal 30-month-old boy. Which activity might the nurse suggest may be done without supervision?
Undressing himself
The nurse is caring for an 18-month-old child. The nurse is aware that the child is which stage according to Erikson?
Autonomy versus shame and doubt
In working with the toddler, which statement would be most appropriate to say to the toddler to decrease the behavior known as negativism?
"It is time for lunch. I am going to put your bib on."
The nurse is reviewing sleep and rest activities of a 16-month-old child with the parents. The father states, "I have told my wife it is unhealthy for our child to sleep with us. It's time for him to sleep in his own bed. What do you think?" What is the nurse's best initial response?
"It must be difficult for the two of you to both feel strongly about what is best for you and your child."
Which is the best way for parents to aid a toddler in achieving the developmental task?
Allow the toddler to make simple decisions
What advice should the nurse provide the parent of a toddler, regarding how to handle temper tantrums?
Appear to ignore the toddler
Which suggestion by the nurse meant to promote good dental health in the 15-month-old is inappropriate?
Brush your child's teeth with a pea-sized amount of fluoride-containing toothpaste.
The nurse is assessing 2-year-old twins. The parent states, "My twins will not play together, only alongside each other." Which action will the nurse take first?
Explain that this is normal behavior for toddlers.
A nurse is assessing a 2-year-old's language development. What would the nurse expect to assess?
Use of a two-word noun-verb sentence
The nurse is observing a 3-year-old boy in a day care center. Which behavior might suggest an emotional problem?
has persistent separation anxiety
A 3-year-old child is hospitalized with a diagnosis of sickle cell anemia. The child's condition has improved, and the child is much more active and eager to play. Which toy should the nurse offer the child?
large piece puzzle
A nurse is discussing safety measures with the parents of a toddler. What would the nurse emphasize to address the most frequent type of accident in toddlers?
"Keep all cleaning products and drugs out of the reach of your child."
A 2-year-old toddler holds his breath until passing out when he wants something the parent does not want him to have. The nurse would decide whether these temper tantrums are a form of seizure based on the fact that:
seizures are not provoked; temper tantrums are.
A mother expresses surprise to the nurse that her daughter has begun masturbating. The most important initial nursing response is that:
this is a normal and expected activity best treated matter-of-factly.
A father brings his 2-year-old son in for a well visit. The nurse assesses his growth since the last appointment. Which finding should concern the nurse?
Total weight gain of 15 lb in the past year
A parent tells the nurse that no matter what is asked of the toddler, the toddler says, "No." What suggestion might the nurse make to help the parent handle this situation?
give the toddler secondary, not primary, choices
The parent of a 2-year-old toddler tells the nurse she needs to constantly scold the toddler for having wet pants. The parent says the toddler was potty trained at 12 months, but since starting to walk, the toddler wets the pants all the time. Which nursing diagnosis would be most applicable?
Deficient parental knowledge related to inappropriate method for toilet training
A mother of a toddler asks the nurse, "How will I know that my daughter is ready for toilet training?" Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
"You'll probably notice that your daughter is uncomfortable in wet diapers."
Nursing students reviewing information about discipline demonstrate a need for additional education when they identify what information as correct?
Discipline and punishment are interchangeable.
When assessing a toddler's language development, what is the standard against which you measure language in a 2-year-old toddler?
The toddler should speak in two-word sentences ("Me go").