chapter 7 health promotion during early childhood

The nurse is presenting information on burn safety to a toddler and preschool parenting group at a local community center. To avoid the most common cause of fire death in children this age, what information does the nurse provide? a. Practice family fire drills often. b. Cover outlets with plastic covers. c. Turn the water heater temperature to 110° F (43.3° C). d. Keep children out of the kitchen when cooking.

ANS: A Children younger than 5 years are at the greatest risk for burn deaths in a house fire. They often panic and hide in closets or under beds rather than escape safely. Parents need to practice fire drills with their children to teach them what to do in the event of a house fire. Covering outlets, turning the water heater down, and keeping children out of the kitchen when cooking are more appropriate for younger children.

Which statement, made by a nursing student to the father of a 4-year-old child, warrants correction by the nurse? a. "Because the 'baby teeth' are not permanent, they are not important to the child." b. "Encourage your child to practice brushing his teeth after you have thoroughly cleaned them." c. "Your child's 'permanent teeth' will begin to come in around 6 years of age." d. "Fluoride supplements are needed if you do not have fluoridated water."

ANS: A Deciduous teeth are important because they maintain spacing and play an important role in the growth and development of the jaws and face and in speech development. Toddlers and preschoolers lack the manual dexterity to remove plaque adequately, so parents must assume this responsibility. But encouraging the child to practice will aid in increasing his or her abilities. Secondary teeth erupt at approximately 6 years of age. If the family does not have fluoridated water, the child will need fluoride treatments.

The nurse is assessing a preschool aged child during a well-child checkup. This child has gained 2 pounds in 1 year. What action by the nurse is best? a. Ask the parent to provide a 3-day diet diary. b. Assess the child's teeth and gums. c. Plot the weight gain on the growth chart. d. Instruct the parent on today's needed vaccinations.

ANS: A Preschool children gain an average of 5 pounds a year. A gain of only 2 pounds is less than half of the expected weight gain and should be investigated. The other actions are part of a well-child checkup but are not related to the lack of weight gain

Which toy is the most developmentally appropriate for an 18- to 24-month-old child? a. A push-and-pull toy b. Nesting blocks c. A bicycle with training wheels d. A computer

ANS: A Push-and-pull toys encourage large muscle activity and are appropriate for toddlers. Nesting blocks are more appropriate for a 12- to 15-month-old child. This child is too young for bicycles or computers.

Which play patterns does a 3-year-old child typically display? (Select all that apply.) a. Imaginary play b. Parallel play c. Cooperative play d. Structured play e. Associative play

ANS: A, B, C, E Children between ages 3 and 5 years enjoy parallel and associative play. Children learn to share and cooperate as they play in small groups. Play is often imitative, dramatic, and creative. Structured play is typical of school-age children.

A nurse is assessing a child for toilet training readiness during a home visit. Which behaviors by the child are positive signs? (Select all that apply.) a. Removes own clothing b. Walks into bathroom on own c. Has been walking for 6 months d. Will give up toy when asked to e. Scratches as legs periodically

ANS: A, B, D Signs of readiness for toilet training include being able to remove own clothing, being willing to let go of a toy when asked, is able to sit, squat, and walk well, has been walking for 1 year, noticing if diaper is wet, pulls on diaper or exhibits other behavior indicating diaper needs to be changed, communicating the need to go to the bathroom or goes there by self and wanting to please parent by staying dry.

The nurse is assessing parental knowledge of temper tantrums. Which are true statements about temper tantrums? (Select all that apply.) a. Temper tantrums are a common response to anger and frustration in toddlers. b. Temper tantrums often include screaming, kicking, throwing things, and head banging. c. Parents can effectively manage temper tantrums by giving in to the child's demands. d. Children having temper tantrums should be safely isolated and ignored. e. Parents can learn to anticipate times when tantrums are more likely to occur.

ANS: A, B, D, E Temper tantrums are a common response to anger and frustration in toddlers. They occur more often when toddlers are tired, hungry, bored, or excessively stimulated. A nap before fatigue or a snack if mealtime is delayed will be helpful in alleviating the times when tantrums are most likely to occur. Tantrums may include screaming, kicking, throwing things, biting themselves, or banging their head. Effective management of tantrums includes safely isolating and ignoring the child. The child should learn that nothing is gained by having a temper tantrum. Giving in to the child's demands only increases the behavior.

The nurse plans a teaching session with a toddler's parents on car safety. Which will the nurse teach? (Select all that apply.) a. Secure in a rear-facing, upright car safety seat. b. Place the car safety seat in the rear seat, behind the driver's seat. c. Harness safety straps should fit snugly. d. Place the car safety seat in the front passenger seat equipped with an airbag. e. After the age of 2 years, toddlers can be placed in a forward-facing car seat.

ANS: A, C, E Toddlers should be secured in a rear-facing, upright, approved car safety seat. Harness straps should be adjusted to provide a snug fit. After age 2, the child can sit in a forward-facing car seat. The car safety seat should be placed in the middle of the rear seat. Children younger than 13 years should not ride in a front passenger seat that is equipped with an airbag.

The nursing student has planned teaching for a toddler parent group on poison prevention in the home. In reviewing the presentation with the nurse, what information requires the nurse to provide more instruction to the student? a. Lock all medications away securely. b. Place cleaning supplies in a top cabinet. c. Try not to let your child watch you take pills. d. Call Poison Control right away for an exposure.

ANS: B Anything potentially poisonous including things like medication, cleaning supplies, or personal care items must be stored in places completely inaccessible to children. Toddlers view climbing as a challenge, so a top cabinet is not inaccessible. The other instructions are appropriate

A nurse has been teaching a parent of a toddler about effective discipline. Which statement by the parent indicates that goals for teaching have been met? a. "I always include explanations and morals when I am disciplining my toddler." b. "I always try to be immediate and consistent when disciplining the children." c. "I believe that discipline should be done by only one family member." d. "My rule of thumb is no more than one spanking a day.

ANS: B Consistent and immediate discipline for toddlers is the most effective approach. Unless disciplined immediately, the toddler will have difficulty connecting the discipline with the behavior. The toddler's cognitive level of development precludes the use of explanations and morals as a part of discipline. Discipline for the toddler should be immediate; therefore the family member caring for the child should provide discipline to the toddler when it is necessary. Discipline is required for unacceptable behavior, and the one-spanking-a-day rule contradicts the concept of a consistent response to inappropriate behavior. In addition, spanking is an inappropriate method of disciplining a child

Parents tell the nurse that their preschool-age child seems to have an imaginary friend named Bob. Whenever their child is scolded or disciplined, the child in turn scolds Bob. What response by the nurse is most appropriate? a. Ask the child to introduce Bob when the parents are not present. b. Inform the parents that this is normal behavior in this age group. c. Suggest the parents discuss the situation with the provider. d. Refer the child for hearing and vision screening.

ANS: B In the early preschool years, boundaries between reality and fantasy blur. Children at the age may develop imaginary friends who can keep them company or take the blame when the child misbehaves. The nurse informs the parents that this is normal behavior. The child likely will not "introduce" Bob to a stranger. The nurse him- or herself needs to provide this anticipatory guidance and not just suggest the parents talk to the provider. There is no reason for sensory screening.

The parent of a 14-month-old child is concerned because the child's appetite has decreased. The best response for the nurse to make to the parent is, a. "It is important for your toddler to eat three meals a day and no snacks." b. "It is not unusual for toddlers to eat less due to slower growth." c. "Be sure to increase your child's milk consumption, which will improve nutrition." d. "Give your child a multivitamin daily to increase your toddler's nutrition."

ANS: B Physiologically, growth slows and appetite decreases during the toddler period. So the nurse should assure the parent that this is normal behavior. Toddlers need small, frequent meals. Nutritious selection throughout the day, rather than quantity, is more important with this age-group. Milk consumption should not exceed 16 to 24 oz daily. Juice should be limited to 4 to 6 oz per day. Increasing the amount of milk will only further decrease solid food intake. Supplemental vitamins are important for all children, but they do not increase appetite

The nurse is assessing a toddler's growth and development. Which statement does the nurse understand about language development in a toddler? a. Language development skills slow during the toddler period. b. The toddler understands more than he or she can express. c. Most of the toddler's speech is not easily understood. d. The toddler's vocabulary contains approximately 600 words

ANS: B The toddler's ability to understand language (receptive language) exceeds the child's ability to speak it (expressive language). Although language development varies in relationship to physical activity, language skills are rapidly accelerating by 15 to 24 months of age. By 2 years of age, 60% to 70% of the toddler's speech is understandable. The toddler's vocabulary contains approximately 300 or more words

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 should be forced to sit on the toilet when first learning.

ANS: B Voluntary control of the anal and urethral sphincters is achieved some time 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 the parent by holding on rather than pleasing himself or herself 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.

A nurse is planning care for a hospitalized toddler in the preoperational thinking stage. Which characteristics should the nurse expect in this stage? (Select all that apply.) a. Concrete thinking b. Egocentrism c. Animism d. Magical thought e. Ability to reason

ANS: B, C, D The characteristics of preoperational thinking that occur for the toddler include egocentrism (views everything in relation to self), animism (believes that inert objects are alive), and magical thought (believes that thinking something causes that event). Concrete thinking is seen in school-age children, and ability to reason is seen with adolescents.

The increase in the number of overweight children in this country is addressed in Healthy People 2020. Strategies designed to approach this issue include (Select all that apply.) a. decreased calcium and iron intake. b. increased fiber and whole grain intake. c. decreased use of sugar and sodium. d. increase fruit and vegetable intake. e. decrease the use of solid fats.

ANS: B, C, D, E Along with these recommendations, children at risk for being overweight should be screened beginning at age 2 years. Children with a family history of dyslipidemia or early cardiovascular disease development, children whose body mass index percentile exceeds the definition for overweight, and children who have high blood pressure should have a fasting lipid screen. The nurse should instruct parents that calcium and iron intake should be increased as part of this strategy.

Which comments indicate that the mother of a toddler needs further teaching about dental care? a. "We use well water so I give my toddler fluoride supplements." b. "My toddler brushes his teeth with my help." c. "My child will not need a dental checkup until his permanent teeth come in." d. "I use a small nylon bristle brush for my toddler's teeth."

ANS: C Children should first see the dentist 6 months after the first primary tooth erupts and no later than age 30 months. Toddlers need fluoride supplements when they use a water supply that is not fluoridated. Toddlers need supervision with dental care. The parent should finish brushing areas not reached by the child. A small nylon bristle brush works best for cleaning toddlers' teeth.

The nurse teaches the parents that which of the following is the primary purpose of a transitional object? a. It helps the parents with the guilt they feel when they leave the child. b. It keeps the child quiet at bedtime. c. It is effective in decreasing anxiety in the toddler. d. It decreases negativism and tantrums in the toddler.

ANS: C Decreasing anxiety, particularly separation anxiety, is the function of a transitional object; it provides comfort to the toddler in stressful situations and helps make the transition from dependence to autonomy. Decreased parental guilt (distress) is an indirect benefit of a transitional object. A transitional object may be part of a bedtime ritual, but it may not keep the child quiet at bedtime. A transitional object does not significantly affect negativity and tantrums, but it can comfort a child after tantrums.

The parents of a newborn say that their toddler "hates the baby.... He suggested that we put him in the trash can so the trash truck could take him away." The nurse's best action is to a. assess the older child for signs of child abuse. b. refer the family for psychological counseling. c. assist the family to deal with this response. d. encourage the family to give the toddler extra attention.

ANS: C The arrival of a new infant represents a crisis for even the best prepared toddler. Toddlers have their entire schedule and routines disrupted because of the new family member. This is a normal response. The nurse should work with parents on ways to involve the toddler in the newborn's care and to help focus attention on the toddler. There is no need to assess for child abuse or to refer the family for counseling. Giving the toddler some extra attention and "special time" will probably help, but this is too narrow in scope to be the best answer. The nurse should help brainstorm several different strategies.

In providing anticipatory guidance to parents whose child will soon be entering kindergarten, which is a critical factor to include in this teaching? a. The child needs to be able to sit still. b. The child should be able to count to 25. c. The parent should have interaction and be responsive to the child. d. The child should attend a preschool program first.

ANS: C The earliest interactions between parent and infant lay the foundation for school readiness. Probably the most important factor in the development of academic competency is the relationship between parent and child. Sitting still and counting are important skills but are not as vital as parental involvement and responsiveness. Preschool is a helpful experience but not required to enter kindergarten.

The nurse is planning to teach parents of a 15-month-old child. Which is the priority concern the nurse should address? a. Toilet training guidelines b. Guidelines for weaning children from bottles c. Instructions on preschool readiness d. Instructions on a home safety assessment

ANS: D Accidents are the major cause of death in children, including deaths caused by ingestion of poisonous materials. Home and environmental safety assessments are priorities in this age-group because of toddlers' increased motor skills and independence, which puts them at greater risk in an unsafe environment. Although it is appropriate to give parents of a 15-month-old child toilet training guidelines, the child is not usually ready for toilet training, so it is not the priority teaching intervention. Parents of a 15-month-old child should have been advised to begin weaning from the breast or bottle at 6 to 12 months of age. Educating a parent about preschool readiness is important and can occur later in the parents' educational process. The priority teaching intervention for the parents of a 15-month-old child is the importance of a safe environment.

What do parents of preschool children need to understand about discipline? a. Both parents and the child should agree on the method of discipline. b. Discipline should involve some physical restriction. c. The method of discipline should be consistent with that of the child's peers. d. Discipline should include positive reinforcement of desired behaviors.

ANS: D Effective discipline strategies should involve a comprehensive approach that includes consideration of the parent-child relationship, reinforcement of desired behaviors, and consequences for negative behaviors. Discipline does not need to be agreed on by the child. Preschoolers feel secure with limits and appropriate, consistent discipline. Both parents should be in agreement so that the discipline is consistently applied. Discipline does not necessarily need to include physical restriction. Discipline does not need to be consistent with that of the child's peers.

A 17-month-old child is expected to be in what stage according to Piaget? a. Trust b. Preoperations c. Secondary circular reaction d. Sensorimotor period

ANS: D The 17-month-old is in the fifth stage of the sensorimotor phase, tertiary circular reactions. Learning in this stage occurs mainly by trial and error. Trust is Erikson's first stage. Preoperation is the stage of cognitive development usually present in older toddlers and preschoolers. Secondary circular reactions last from approximately ages 4 to 8 months

What should the nurse teach a parent who is concerned about preventing sleep problems in a 2-year-old child? a. Have the child always sleep in a quiet, darkened room. b. Provide high-carbohydrate snacks before bedtime. c. Have the child's daytime caretaker eliminate naps. d. Use a nightlight in the child's roo

ANS: D The boundaries between reality and fantasy are not well defined for children of this age, so monsters and scary creatures that lurk in the preschooler's imagination become real to the child after the light is turned off. A nightlight may help ease the child's fears. A dark room may be scary to a preschooler. High-carbohydrate snacks increase energy and do not promote relaxation. Most 2-year-olds take one nap each day. Many give up the habit by age 3 years. Insufficient rest during the day can lead to irritability and difficulty sleeping at night.

A father tells the nurse that his toddler wants the same plate and cup used at every meal, even if they go to a restaurant. The nurse should suggest that the family do which of the following? a. Do not take the child to restaurants until this behavior has stopped. b. Take the child but do not give in to this demand. c. Explain to the child that restaurants have their own dishes. d. Suggest the family take the dishes and use them at the restaurant.

ANS: D The child is exhibiting the ritualism that is characteristic at this age. Ritualism is the need to maintain the 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. The family can take the dishes and serve the toddler's food and drink with them. Not taking the child out sometimes deprives him or her of a social experience. Not giving in sets the stage for temper tantrums. This child is too young to understand an explanation.

A parent is very frustrated by the amount of time a toddle says "no" and asks the nurse about effective strategies to manage this negativism. The most appropriate recommendation is to a. punish the child for the behavior. b. provide more attention to the child. c. ask the child to not always say "no." d. reduce the opportunities for a "no" answer.

ANS: D The nurse should suggest that the parent phrase questions or directives with restrictive choices rather than yes or no answers. This provides a sense of control for the toddler 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 for this approach.