Chapter 34: The School-Age Child and Family
Which of the following statements made by a parent is most helpful when discussing rules of the household?
"I was upset when you did not feed the dog like you promised. We all need to help take care of him because he depends on us. Let's talk about what happened."
The nurse working in a pediatric practice should make which of the following statements to parents concerned that their 8-year-old son has started wetting the bed at night?
"I'm going to collect a urine sample from him and then we will talk about bed wetting."
The school nurse should suggest a follow-up exam for which of the following children?
10-year-old girl who has gained 11 lb in a year
Children have a total of __________ primary (deciduous) teeth that they begin to lose when they are school age.
ANS: 20 twenty
What is descriptive of the play of school-age children? 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.
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.
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. This should be interpreted as: a. Behavior that encourages bullying and sexism. b. Behavior that reinforces poor peer relationships. c. Characteristic of social development of this age. d. Characteristic of children who later are at risk for membership in gangs.
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.
Generally the earliest age at which puberty begins is: a. 13 years in girls, 13 years in boys. c. 10 years in girls, 12 years in boys. b. 11 years in girls, 11 years in boys. d. 12 years in girls, 10 years in boys.
C Puberty signals the beginning of the development of secondary sex characteristics. This begins in girls earlier than in boys. Usually a 2-year difference occurs in the age at onset. Girls and boys do not usually begin puberty at the same age; girls usually begin earlier than boys do.
Each of the following children visits the school nurse on a regular basis. The nurse evaluates that which of these children may have educational difficulty and suggests followup care?
A 10-year-old who cannot sit still longer than 15 minutes
Which demonstrates the school-age child's developing logic in the stage of concrete operations (select all that apply)? a. The school-age child is able to recognize that he can be a son, brother, or nephew at the same time. b. The school-age child understands the principles of adding, subtracting, and reversibility. c. The school-age child understands the principles of adding, subtracting, and reversibility. d. The school-age child has thinking that is characterized by egocentrism and animism.
A, B, C The school-age child understands that the properties of objects do not change when their order, form, or appearance does. Conservation occurs in the concrete operations stage. Comprehension of class inclusion occurs as the school-age child's logic increases. The child begins to understand that a person can be in more than one class at the same time. This is characteristic of concrete thinking and logical reasoning. The school-age child is able to understand principles of adding, subtracting, and the process of reversibility, which occurs in the stage of concrete operations. Thinking that is characterized by egocentrism and animism occurs in the intuitive thought stage, not the concrete operations stage of development.
Primary (deciduous) teeth are replaced by permanent teeth. By adulthood the child will have __________ permanent teeth.
ANS: 32 thirty-two
An 8-year-old girl tells the nurse that she has cancer because God is punishing her for "being bad." She shares her concern that if she dies, she will go to hell. The nurse should interpret this as being a. A belief common 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 Feedback A Children at this age may view illness or injury as a punishment for a real or imagined mystique. B The belief in divine punishment is common at this age. C The belief in divine punishment is common at this age. D The belief in divine punishment is common at this age.
A nurse is assessing an older school-age child recently admitted to the hospital. Which assessment indicates that the child is in an appropriate stage of cognitive development? a. The child's addition and subtraction ability b. The child's ability to classify c. The child's vocabulary d. The child's play activity
ANS: B Feedback A Subtraction and addition are appropriate cognitive activities for the young school-age child. B The ability to classify things from simple to complex and the ability to identify differences and similarities are cognitive skills of the older school-age child; this demonstrates use of classification and logical thought processes. C Vocabulary is not as valid an assessment of cognitive ability as is the child's ability to classify. D Play activity is not as valid an assessment of cognitive function as is the child's ability to classify.
Which is an appropriate disciplinary intervention for the school-age child? a. Using time-out periods b. Using a consequence that is consistent with the inappropriate behavior c. Using physical punishment d. Using lengthy dialog about inappropriate behavior
ANS: B Feedback A Time-out periods are more appropriate for younger children. B A consequence that is related to the inappropriate behavior is the recommended discipline. C Physical intervention is an inappropriate form of discipline. It does not connect the discipline with the child's inappropriate behavior. D Lengthy discussions typically are not helpful.
Which strategies can a nurse teach to parents of a child experiencing uncomplicated school refusal? Select all that apply. a. The child should be allowed to stay home until the anxiety about going to school is resolved. b. Parents should be empathetic yet firm in their insistence that the child attends school. c. A modified school attendance may be necessary. d. Parents need to pick the child up at school whenever the child wants to come home. e. Parents need to communicate with the teachers about the situation.
ANS: B, C, E Feedback Correct In uncomplicated cases of school refusal, the parent needs to return the child to school as soon as possible. If symptoms are severe, a limited period of part-time or modified school attendance may be necessary. For example, part of the day may be spent in the counselor's or school nurse's office, with assignments obtained from the teacher. Parents should be empathetic yet firm and consistent in their insistence that the child attend school. Incorrect Parents should not pick the child up at school once the child is there. The principal and teacher should be told about the situation so that they can cooperate with the treatment plan.
In general, the earliest age at which puberty begins is ____ years in girls and _____ years in boys. a. 13; 13 b. 11; 11 c. 10; 12 d. 12; 10
ANS: C Feedback A Girls and boys do not usually begin puberty at the same age; girls usually begin earlier than boys. B Girls and boys do not usually begin puberty at the same age; girls usually begin earlier than boys. C Puberty signals the beginning of the development of secondary sex characteristics. This begins in girls earlier than in boys. Usually, there is a 2-year difference in the age at onset. D Girls and boys do not usually begin puberty at the same age; girls usually begin earlier than boys.
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. This should be interpreted as a. Behavior that encourages bullying and sexism b. Behavior that reinforces poor peer relationships c. Characteristic of social development of this age d. Characteristic of children who later are at risk for membership in gangs
ANS: C Feedback A 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. B 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. C One of the outstanding characteristics of middle childhood is the creation of formalized groups or clubs. D A boys-only club does not have a direct correlation with later gang activity.
A school nurse is conducting a class on safety for a group of school-age children. Which statement indicates that the children may need further teaching? a. "My sister and I know two different ways to get out of the house." b. "I can dial 911 if there is a fire or a burglar in the house." c. "My mother has told us that if we have a fire, we have to meet at the neighbor's house." d. "If there is a fire I will have to go back in for my cat Fluffy because she will be scared."
ANS: D Feedback A All children should know two different escape routes from the house, in case one is blocked. B It is important for children to be taught how to call 911 in an emergency. C All families should have a predetermined meeting place away from the house. D Children should be taught never to return to a burning house, not even for a pet.
The school nurse has been asked to begin teaching sex education in the 5th grade. The nurse should recognize that a. Children in 5th 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 Feedback A Fifth graders are usually 10 to 11 years old. This age is not too young to speak about physiologic changes in their bodies. B They should be encouraged to ask questions. C Preadolescents need precise and concrete information. D When sexual information is presented to school-age children, sex should be treated as a normal part of growth and development.
Which comment is most developmentally typical of a 7-year-old boy? a. "I am a Power Ranger, so don't make me angry." b. "I don't know whether I like Mary or Joan better." c. "My mom is my favorite person in the world." d. "Jimmy is my best friend."
ANS: D Feedback A Magical thinking is developmentally appropriate for the preschooler. B Opposite-sex friendships are not typical for the 7-year-old child. C Seven-year-old children socialize with their peers, not their parents. D School-age children form friendships with peers of the same sex, those who live nearby, and other children who have toys that they enjoy.
Which behavior is not demonstrated in the 8-year-old child? a. Understands that his or her point of view is not the only one b. Enjoys telling riddles and silly jokes c. Understands that pouring liquid from a small to large container does not change the amount d. Engages in fantasy and magical thinking
ANS: D Feedback A School-age children enter the stage of concrete operations. They learn that their point of view is not the only one. B The school-age child has a sense of humor. The child's increased language mastery and increased logic allow for appreciation of plays on words, jokes, and incongruities. C The school-age child understands that properties of objects do not change when their order, form, or appearance does. D The preschool-age child engages in fantasy and magical thinking. The school-age child moves away from this type of thinking and becomes more skeptical and logical. Belief in Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny ends in this period of development.
The number of hours spent sleeping decreases as the child grows older. Children ages 6 and 7 years require approximately 9 or 10 hours of sleep per night. Is this statement true or false?
ANS: F Children ages 6 and 7 actually need approximately 12 hours of sleep per night. Some children also continue to need an afternoon nap or quiet time to restore energy levels. The 12-year-old needs approximately 9 to 10 hours of sleep at night. Adequate sleep is important for school performance and physical growth. Inadequate sleep can cause irritability, inability to concentrate, and poor school performance.
____________________ is the leading cause of death in children of every age-group beyond 1 year of age.
ANS: Unintentional injury
The school nurse has written a grant to obtain funding for a vision screening program and glasses for children in his pre-K to 6th grade elementary school. The rationale for the funding should contain which of the following statements
Approximately one in four children have vision problems
Which statement accurately describes physical development during the school-age years? a. The child's weight almost triples. b. A child grows an average of 2 inches per year. c. Few physical differences are apparent among children at the end of middle childhood. d. Fat gradually increases, which contributes to the child's heavier appearance.
B In middle childhood, growth in height and weight occur at a slower pace. Between the ages of 6 and 12 years, children grow 2 inches per year. In middle childhood, children's weight will almost double; they gain 3 kg/year. At the end of middle childhood, girls grow taller and gain more weight than boys. Children take on a slimmer look with longer legs in middle childhood.
Parents of a 12-year-old child ask the clinic nurse, "How many hours of sleep should our child get?' The nurse should respond that 12-year-old children need how many hours of sleep at night? a. 8 c. 10 b. 9 d. 11
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 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.
B, C, D 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.
A child who has a BMI of 34 visits the school nurse. The nurse recognizes that the child may experience which of the following
Bullying by peers
What 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.
C Children who are ages 6 and 7 years know the rules and behaviors expected of them but do not understand the reasons for them. 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.
Nurses frequently care for children with URIs. The school nurse should implement which of the following nursing interventions?
Calling the parent of a child with a mild fever and mild sore throat to come to school to pick up the child and take the child to his or her health care provider
The role of the peer group in the life of school-age children is that it: a. Gives them an opportunity to learn dominance and hostility. b. Allows them to remain dependent on their parents for a longer time. c. Decreases their need to learn appropriate sex roles. d. Provides them with security as they gain independence from their parents.
D Peer-group identification is an important factor in gaining independence from parents. Through peer relationships, children learn ways to deal with dominance and hostility. They also learn how to relate to people in positions of leadership and authority and explore ideas and the physical environment. Peer-group identification helps in gaining independence rather than remaining dependent. A child's concept of appropriate sex roles is influenced by relationships with peers.
The nurse has been asked to conduct a community awareness program about accidents that impact the school-age child. Which of the following facts should the school nurse include in the program?
Drowning and motor vehicle accidents are the leading causes of fatality in the schoolage population.
Smoking is a major health problem in the United States. Which of the following facts about smoking is true?
Each day over 6,000 children try smoking
The diet of the school-age child may be deficient in which of the following elements?
Iron
When discussing sleep patterns in school-age children, the nurse should stress that:
School-age children generally agree with and adhere to a specific bedtime
When planning a series on nutrition, the school nurse must take into account which of the following factors
Television programs aimed at children are frequently sponsored by food-related companies.
Identify the statement that is the most accurate about moral development in the 9-year-old school-age child. a. Right and wrong are based on physical consequences of behavior. b. The child obeys parents because of fear of punishment. c. The school-age child conforms to rules to please others. d. Parents are the determiners of right and wrong for the school-age child.
c. The school-age child conforms to rules to please others.
The father of 12-year-old Ryan tells the nurse that he is concerned about his son getting "fat." Ryan's body mass index for age is at the 60th percentile. The most appropriate nursing action is to: a. Reassure the father that Ryan is not "fat." b. Reassure the father that Ryan is just a growing child. c. Suggest a low-calorie, low-fat diet. d. Explain that this is typical of the growth pattern of boys at this age.
d. Explain that this is typical of the growth pattern of boys at this age
The president of the Parent-Teacher Association asks the school nurse about the appropriateness of sponsoring a health fair that focuses on oral health for school-age children. Which of the following statements indicates the nurse's correct understanding of this issue?
"Almost 50% of children age 6 to 17 have dental caries, so a health fair that focuses on oral care is very appropriate
A parent asks the nurse working in a pediatric clinic how she can help her 6-year-old child feel good about himself. The nurse should reply
"Having your child help around the house with tasks such as setting the table will increase self-esteem."
The school nurse conducting an in-service program for teachers is asked about general growth and development of school-age children. The nurse should reply
"Overall growth in school-age children is slower than during infancy and adolescence."
Parents of an 8-year-old boy tell the nurse that they are concerned about their son because he occasionally sleepwalks. The nurse should reply
"This is not abnormal for a child of this age. He will most likely outgrow this tendency as his nervous system matures."
During orientation, the new school nurse asks his preceptor about the role of the school nurse. The preceptor should reply
"We are an important part of the team that helps to maintain and improve children's health in a variety of ways from screenings to advocacy."
A third grade teacher asks the school nurse what she can reasonably expect from children in her classroom related to language ability. The nurse should reply:
"You can expect that the children will write 'b' and 'd' without reversing them, and all of the letters in a word will be about the same size."
According to the American Heart Association, at what age should blood pressure screening begin?
3
Which activity is most appropriate for developing fine motor skills in the school-age child? a. Drawing c. Soccer b. Singing d. Swimming
A Activities such as drawing, building models, and playing a musical instrument increase the school-age child's fine motor skills. Singing is an appropriate activity for the school-age child, but it does not increase fine motor skills. The school-age child needs to participate in group activities to increase both gross motor skills and social skills, but group activities do not increase fine motor skills. Swimming is an activity that also increases gross motor skills.
A child has an evulsed (knocked-out) tooth. In which medium should the nurse instruct the parents to place the tooth for transport to the dentist? a. Cold milk c. Warm salt water b. Cold water d. A dry, clean jar
A An evulsed tooth should be placed in a suitable medium for transport, either cold milk or saliva (under the child's or parent's tongue). Cold milk is a more suitable medium for transport than cold water, warm salt water, or a dry, clean jar.
The ability to mentally understand that 1 + 3 = 4 and 4 - 3 = 1 occurs in which stage of cognitive development? a. Concrete operations stage c. Intuitive thought stage b. Formal operations stage d. Preoperations stage
A By 7 to 8 years of age, the child is able to retrace a process (reversibility) and has the skills necessary for solving mathematical problems. This stage is called concrete operations. The formal operations stage deals with abstract reasoning and does not occur until adolescence. Thinking in the intuitive stage is based on immediate perceptions. A child in this stage often solves problems by random guessing. In preoperational thinking, the child is usually able to add 1 + 3 = 4 but is unable to retrace the process.
An 8-year-old girl tells the nurse that she has cancer because God is punishing her for "being bad." She shares her concern that, if she dies, she will go to hell. The nurse should interpret this as being: a. A belief common 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.
A Children at this age may view illness or injury as a punishment for a real or imagined mystique. The belief in divine punishment is common at this age.
Which statement characterizes moral development in older school-age children? 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.
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. Both the situation and the morality of the rule itself influence reactions.
A 9-year-old girl often comes to the school nurse complaining of stomach pains. Her teacher says that she is completing her schoolwork satisfactorily, but lately she has been somewhat aggressive and stubborn in the classroom. The school nurse should recognize this as: a. Signs of stress. b. Developmental delay. c. A physical problem causing emotional stress. d. Lack of adjustment to the school environment.
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, not developmental delay, a physical problem, or lack of adjustment.
Teasing can be common during the school-age years. Which of the following does the nurse recognize as applying most to teasing? a. Can have a lasting effect on children b. Is not a significant threat to self-concept c. Is rarely based on anything that is concrete d. Is usually ignored by the child who is being teased
A Teasing in this age group is common and can have a long-lasting effect. Increasing awareness of differences, especially when accompanied by unkind comments and taunts from others, may make a child feel inferior and undesirable. Physical impairments such as hearing or visual defects, ears that "stick out," or birth marks assume great importance.
Which of the following children is at risk for developing encopresis
A 5-year-old child who has been in four foster care homes since age 3
During a school gift fair, a parent asks the school nurse what gift would be most appropriate for her 6-year-old. The nurse should encourage the parent to purchase:
A jar of sea shells in various shapes, colors, and textures
Peer victimization is becoming a significant problem for school-age children and adolescents in the United States. Parents should be educated regarding signs that a child is being bullied. These might include (select all that apply): a. The child spends an inordinate amount of time in the nurse's office. b. Belongings frequently go missing or are damaged. c. The child wants to be driven to school. d. School performance improves. e. The child freely talks about his or her day.
A, B, C Signs that may indicate a child is being bullied are similar to signs of other types of stress and include nonspecific illness or complaints, withdrawal, depression, school refusal, and decreased school performance. Children expressed fear of going to school or riding the school bus, and their belongings often are damaged or missing. Very often, children will not talk about what is happening to them.
A nurse is planning care for a 7-year-old child hospitalized with osteomyelitis. Which activities should the nurse plan to bring from the playroom for the child (select all that apply)? a. Paper and some paints b. Board games c. Jack-in-the-box d. Stuffed animals e. Computer games
A, B, E School-age children become fascinated with complex board, card, or computer games that they can play alone, with a best friend, or with a group. They also enjoy sewing, cooking, carpentry, gardening, and creative activities such as painting. Jack-in-the-box and stuffed animals would be appropriate for a toddler or preschool child.
A nurse is recommending strategies to a group of school-age children for prevention of obesity. Which should the nurse include (select all that apply)? a. Eat breakfast daily. b. Limit fruits and vegetables. c. Have frequent family meals with parents present. d. Eat frequently at restaurants. e. Limit television viewing to 2 hours a day.
A, C, E The nurse should counsel school-age children to eat breakfast daily, have mealtimes with family, and limit television viewing to 2 hours a day to prevent obesity. Fruits and vegetables should be consumed in the recommended quantities, and eating at restaurants should be limited.
A nurse is planning a class for school-age children on obesity. Which percentile does the body mass index (BMI) need to exceed for a child to be assessed as obese?
ANS: 95 95th When intake of food exceeds expenditure, the excess is stored as fat. Obesity is an excessive accumulation of fat in the body and is assessed in children as a BMI that exceeds the 95th percentile for age.
Which activity is most appropriate for developing fine motor skills in the school-age child? a. Drawing b. Singing c. Soccer d. Swimming
ANS: A Feedback A Activities such as drawing, building models, and playing a musical instrument increase the school-age child's fine motor skills. B Singing is an appropriate activity for the school-age child, but it does not increase fine motor skills. C The school-age child needs to participate in group activities to increase both gross motor skills and social skills, but group activities do not increase fine motor skills. D Swimming is an activity that also increases gross motor skills.
The ability to mentally understand that 1 + 3 = 4 and 4 - 1 = 3 occurs in which stage of cognitive development? a. Concrete operations b. Formal operations c. Intuitive thought d. Preoperations
ANS: A Feedback A By 7 to 8 years of age, the child is able to retrace a process (reversibility) and has the skills necessary for solving mathematical problems. This stage is called concrete operations. B The formal operations stage deals with abstract reasoning and does not occur until adolescence. C Thinking in the intuitive stage is based on immediate perceptions. A child in this stage often solves problems by random guessing. D In preoperational thinking, the child is usually able to add 1 + 3 = 4 but is unable to retrace the process.
A school nurse is teaching a health class for 5th grade children. The nurse plans to include which statement to best describe growth in the early school-age period? a. Boys grow faster than girls. b. Puberty occurs earlier in boys than in girls. c. Puberty occurs at the same age for all races and ethnicities. d. It is a period of rapid physical growth.
ANS: A Feedback A During the school-age developmental period, boys are approximately 1 inch taller and 2 pounds heavier than girls. B Puberty occurs 1 1/2 to 2 years later in boys, which is developmentally later than puberty in girls (not unusual in 9- or 10-year-old girls). C Puberty occurs approximately 1 year earlier in African-American girls than in white girls. D Physical growth is slow and steady during the school-age years.
A 9-year-old girl often comes to the school nurse complaining of stomach pains. Her teacher says she is completing her schoolwork satisfactorily, but lately she has been somewhat aggressive and stubborn in the classroom. The school nurse should recognize this as a. Signs of stress b. Developmental delay c. Physical problem causing emotional stress d. Lack of adjustment to school environment
ANS: A Feedback A Signs of stress include stomach pains or headache, sleep problems, bedwetting, changes in eating habits, aggressive or stubborn behavior, reluctance to participate, or regression to early behaviors. B This child is exhibiting signs of stress. C This child is exhibiting signs of stress. D This child is exhibiting signs of stress.
Peer victimization is becoming a significant problem for school-age children and adolescents in the United States. Parents should be educated regarding signs that a child is being bullied. These might include (select all that apply) a. The child spends an inordinate amount of time in the nurse's office. b. Belongings frequently go missing or are damaged. c. The child wants to be driven to school. d. School performance improves. e. The child freely talks about his day.
ANS: A, B, C Feedback Correct Signs that may indicate a child is being bullied are similar to signs of other types of stress and include nonspecific illness or complaints, withdrawal, depression, school refusal, and decreased school performance. Children express fear of going to school or riding the school bus. Very often, children will not talk about what is happening to them. Incorrect These are not indications of bullying.
Which demonstrates the school-age child's developing logic in the stage of concrete operations? Select all that apply. a. The school-age child is able to recognize that 1 lb of feathers is equal to 1 lb of metal. b. The school-age child is able to recognize that he can be a son, brother, or nephew at the same time. c. The school-age child understands the principles of adding, subtracting, and reversibility. d. The school-age child has thinking that is characterized by egocentrism, animism, and centration
ANS: A, B, C Feedback Correct The school-age child understands that the properties of objects do not change when their order, form, or appearance does. Conservation occurs in the concrete operations stage. Comprehension of class inclusion occurs as the school-age child's logic increases. The child begins to understand that a person can be in more than one class at the same time. This is characteristic of concrete thinking and logical reasoning. The school-age child is able to understand principles of adding and subtracting, as well as the process of reversibility, which occurs in the stage of concrete operations. Incorrect This type of thinking occurs in the intuitive thought stage, not the concrete operations stage of development.
Which interventions are appropriate for preventing childhood obesity? Select all that apply. a. Establish consistent times for meals and snacks. b. Eliminate all snacks. Eat three nutritious meals a day. c. Teach the family and child how to select foods and prepare foods. d. Encourage schools to provide snack machines with popcorn, cookies, and diet soda. e. Limit computer and television time.
ANS: A, C, E Feedback Correct Preventing obesity includes encouraging families to establish consistent times for meals and snacks and discouraging between-meal eating. Parents and children also need to be taught how to select and prepare healthful foods. Because snacks are an important aspect in childhood nutrition, nutritious snacks should be identified. School-age children usually require a healthful snack after school and in the evening. A child who spends time with social media has less interest in physical activity and going outdoors. Incorrect Snacks are an important aspect in childhood nutrition. Nutritious snacks should be identified, not eliminated. Healthy snack options include fruit, popcorn, nuts, and yogurt, not cookies and diet soda. In schools with snack machines, children may use their lunch money to purchase high-calorie snacks versus a nutritious lunch.
An important consideration for the school nurse who is planning a class on bicycle safety is a. Most bicycle injuries involve collision with an automobile. b. Head injuries are the major causes of bicycle-related fatalities. c. Children should wear bicycle helmets if they ride on paved streets. d. Children should not ride double unless the bicycle has an extra-large seat.
ANS: B Feedback A Although motor vehicle collisions do cause injuries to bicyclists, most injuries result from falls. B 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. C The child should always wear a properly fitted helmet approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. D Children should not ride double.
Which behavior by parents or teachers will best assist the child in negotiating the developmental task of industry? a. Identifying failures immediately and asking the child's peers for feedback b. Structuring the environment so that the child can master tasks c. Completing homework for children who are having difficulty in completing assignments d. Decreasing expectations to eliminate potential failures
ANS: B Feedback A Asking peers for feedback reinforces the child's feelings of failure. B The task of the caring teacher or parent is to identify areas in which a child is competent and to build on successful experiences to foster feelings of mastery and success. Structuring the environment to enhance self-confidence and to provide the opportunity to solve increasingly more complex problems will promote a sense of mastery. C When teachers or parents complete children's homework for them, it sends the message that you do not trust them to do a good job. Providing assistance and suggestions and praising their best efforts are more appropriate. D Decreasing expectations to eliminate failures will not promote a sense of achievement or mastery.
Which statement is the most accurate about moral development in the 9-year-old school-age child? a. Right and wrong are based on physical consequences of behavior. b. The child obeys parents because of fear of punishment. c. The school-age child conforms to rules to please others. d. Parents are the determiners of right and wrong for the school-age child.
ANS: C Feedback A Children 4 to 7 years of age base right and wrong on consequences. B Consequences are the most important consideration for the child between 4 and 7 years of age. C The 7- to 12-year-old child bases right and wrong on a good-boy or good-girl orientation in which the child conforms to rules to please others and avoid disapproval. D Parents determine right and wrong for the child younger than 4 years of age.
Which statement made by a mother of a school-age boy indicates a need for further teaching? a. "My child is playing soccer this year." b. "He is always busy with his friends playing games. He is very active." c. "I limit his television watching to about 2 hours a day." d. "I am glad his coach is a good role model. He emphasizes the importance of winning in today's society. The kids really are disciplined."
ANS: D Feedback A Team sports such as soccer are appropriate for exercise and refinement of motor skills. B School-age children need to participate in physical activities, which contribute to their physical fitness skills and well-being. C Limiting television to 2 hours a day is an appropriate restriction. School-age children should be encouraged to participate in physical activities. D Team sports are important for the development of sportsmanship and teamwork and for exercise and refinement of motor skills. A coach who emphasizes winning and strict discipline is not appropriate for children in this age-group.
In providing anticipatory guidance to parents, which parental behavior is the most important in fostering moral development? a. Telling the child what is right and wrong b. Vigilantly monitoring the child and her peers c. Weekly family meetings to discuss behavior d. Living as the parents say they believe
ANS: D Feedback A Telling the child what is right and wrong is not effective unless the child has experienced what she hears. Parents need to live according to the values they are teaching to their children. B Vigilant monitoring of the child and her peers is an inappropriate action for the parent to initiate. It does not foster moral development and reasoning in the child. C Weekly family meetings to discuss behaviors may or may not be helpful in the development of moral reasoning. D Parents living what they believe gives nonambivalent messages and fosters the child's moral development and reasoning.
The initiatives related to childhood nutrition outlined in Healthy People 2010 that have been most successful include
Adequate food supplies at home
Which statement best describes fear in school-age children? 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.
B During the school-age years, children experience a wide variety of fears, but new fears related predominantly to school and family bother children during this time. During the middle-school years, children become less fearful of body safety than they were as preschoolers. Parents and other persons involved with children should discuss their fear with them individually or as a group activity. Sometimes school-age children hide their fears to avoid being teased. Hiding the fears does not end them and may lead to phobias.
A nurse is assessing an older school-age child recently admitted to the hospital. Which assessment indicates that the child is in an appropriate stage of cognitive development? a. The child's addition and subtraction ability b. The child's ability to classify c. The child's vocabulary d. The child's play activity
B The ability to classify things from simple to complex and the ability to identify differences and similarities are cognitive skills of the older school-age child; this demonstrates use of classification and logical thought processes. Subtraction and addition are appropriate cognitive activities for the young school-age child. Vocabulary is not as valid an assessment of cognitive ability as is the child's ability to classify. Play activity is not as valid an assessment of cognitive function as is the ability to classify.
An important consideration for the school nurse who is planning a class on bicycle safety is: a. Most bicycle injuries involve collision with an automobile. b. Head injuries are the major causes of bicycle-related fatalities. c. Children should wear bicycle helmets if they ride on paved streets. d. Children should not ride double unless the bicycle has an extra-large seat.
B 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. Although motor vehicle collisions do cause injuries to bicyclists, most injuries result from falls. The child should always wear a properly fitted helmet approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Children should not ride double.
Which behavior by parents or teachers will best assist the child in negotiating the developmental task of industry? a. Identifying failures immediately and asking the child's peers for feedback b. Structuring the environment so the child can master tasks c. Completing homework for children who are having difficulty in completing assignments d. Decreasing expectations to eliminate potential failures
B The task of the caring teacher or parent is to identify areas in which a child is competent and to build on successful experiences to foster feelings of mastery and success. Structuring the environment to enhance self-confidence and to provide the opportunity to solve increasingly more complex problems will promote a sense of mastery. Asking peers for feedback reinforces the child's feelings of failure. When teachers or parents complete children's homework for them, it sends the message that they do not trust the children to do a good job. Providing assistance and suggestions and praising their best efforts are more appropriate. Decreasing expectations to eliminate failures will not promote a sense of achievement or mastery.
When teaching injury prevention during the school-age years, the nurse should include: a. Teaching the need to fear strangers. b. Teaching basic rules of water safety. c. Avoiding letting children cook in microwave ovens. d. Cautioning children against engaging in competitive sports.
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 sufficient water depth for diving, and use an approved flotation device. Teach stranger safety, not fearing strangers. This includes not going with strangers, not having personalized clothing in public places, having children tell parents if anyone makes them uncomfortable, and teaching children to say "no" in uncomfortable situations. Teach children safe cooking methods. Caution against engaging in hazardous sports, such as those involving trampolines.
A nurse is teaching parents of first-grade children general guidelines to assist their children in adapting to 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."
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.
A nurse planning care for a school-age child should take into account that which thought process is seen at this age? a. Animism c. Ability to conserve b. Magical thinking d. Thoughts are all-powerful
C One cognitive task of school-age children is mastering the concept of conservation. At an early age (5 to 7 years), children grasp the concept of reversibility of numbers as a basis for simple mathematics problems (e.g., 2 + 4 = 6 and 6 - 4 = 2). They learn that simply altering their arrangement in space does not change certain properties of the environment, and they are able to resist perceptual cues that suggest alterations in the physical state of an object. Animism, magical thinking, and believing that thoughts are all-powerful are thought processes seen in preschool children.
Identify the statement that is the most accurate about moral development in the 9-year-old school-age child. a. Right and wrong are based on physical consequences of behavior. b. The child obeys parents because of fear of punishment. c. The school-age child conforms to rules to please others. d. Parents are the determiners of right and wrong for the school-age child.
C The 7- to 12-year-old child bases right and wrong on a good-boy or good-girl orientation in which the child conforms to rules to please others and avoid disapproval. Children 4 to 7 years of age base right and wrong on consequences, the most important consideration for this age-group. Parents determine right and wrong for the child younger than 4 years of age.
What describes the cognitive abilities of school-age children? a. Have developed the ability to reason abstractly b. Become capable of scientific reasoning and formal logic c. Progress from making judgments based on what they reason to making judgments based on what they see d. Have the ability to classify, group and sort, and hold a concept in their minds while making decisions based on that concept
D In Piaget's stage of concrete operations, children have the ability to group and sort and make conceptual decisions. Children cannot reason abstractly until late adolescence. Scientific reasoning and formal logic are skills of adolescents. Making judgments on what the child sees versus what he or she reasons is not a developmental skill.
What is characteristic of dishonest behavior in children ages 8 to 10 years? 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.
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.
Which comment is most developmentally typical of a 7-year-old boy? a. "I am a Power Ranger, so don't make me angry." b. "I don't know whether I like Mary or Joan better." c. "My mom is my favorite person in the world." d. "Jimmy is my best friend."
D School-age children form friendships with peers of the same sex, those who live nearby, and other children who have toys that they enjoy sharing. Magical thinking is developmentally appropriate for the preschooler. Opposite-sex friendships are not typical for the 7-year-old child. Seven-year-old children socialize with their peers, not their parents.
A school nurse is teaching dental health practices to a group of sixth-grade children. How often should the nurse recommend the children brush their teeth? a. Twice a day b. Three times a day c. After meals d. After meals and snacks, and at bedtime
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 only after meals would not be often enough.
Which behavior is not normally demonstrated in the 8-year-old child? a. Understands that his or her point of view is not the only one b. Enjoys telling riddles and silly jokes c. Understands that pouring liquid from a small to a large container does not change the amount d. Engages in fantasy and magical thinking
D The preschool child engages in fantasy and magical thinking. The school-age child moves away from this type of thinking and becomes more skeptical and logical. Belief in Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny ends in this period of development. School-age children enter the stage of concrete operations. They learn that their point of view is not the only one. The school-age child has a sense of humor. The child's increased language mastery and increased logic allow for appreciation of plays on words, jokes, and incongruities. The school-age child understands that properties of objects do not change when their order, form, or appearance does.
The father of 12-year-old Ryan tells the nurse that he is concerned about his son getting "fat." Ryan's body mass index for age is at the 60th percentile. The most appropriate nursing action is to: a. Reassure the father that Ryan is not "fat." b. Reassure the father that Ryan is just a growing child. c. Suggest a low-calorie, low-fat diet. d. Explain that this is typical of the growth pattern of boys at this age.
D This is a characteristic pattern of growth in preadolescent boys, in which the growth in height has slowed in preparation for the pubertal growth spurt but weight is still gained. This should be reviewed with both the father and Ryan, and a plan should be developed to maintain physical exercise and a balanced diet. Saying that Ryan is not "fat" is false reassurance. His weight is high for his height. Ryan needs to maintain his physical activity. The father is concerned; an explanation is required. A nutritional diet with physical activity should be sufficient to maintain his balance.
The school nurse has been asked to begin teaching sex education in the 5th grade. The nurse should recognize that: a. Children in 5th 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.
D When sex information is presented to school-age children, sex should be treated as a normal part of growth and development. Fifth graders are usually 10 to 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.
During a parent-nurse conference, the parent tells the nurse that her child sleeps approximately 7 hours per night. The nurse understands that a lack of adequate sleep may result in:
Obesity
Which of the following statements is correct?
Overweight children have joint and muscle pain more often than average-weight children.
Which of the following activities is most likely to help children learn about good nutritional practices
Participating in a "Try This" food day where a large variety of nutritious snacks are available
Which of the following statements concerning hearing is correct
The rate of otitis media infections in school-age children has met Healthy People 2010 targets
Parents ask the nurse if any help is available to help them provide health care for their child. The parents fall into the "working poor" economic category because they earn too much money to qualify for Medicare but not enough to purchase health insurance. The nurse should tell them that
The state has an insurance program to assist them
Teasing can be common during the school-age years. Which of the following does the nurse recognize as applying most to teasing? a. Can have a lasting effect on children b. Is not a significant threat to self-concept c. Is rarely based on anything that is concrete d. Is usually ignored by the child who is being teased
a. Can have a lasting effect on children
The ability to mentally understand that 1 + 3 = 4 and 4 - 3 = 1 occurs in which stage of cognitive development? a. Concrete operations stage c. Intuitive thought stage b. Formal operations stage d. Preoperations stage
a. Concrete operations stage
Which statement characterizes moral development in older school-age children? 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.
a. They are able to judge an act by the intentions that prompted it rather than just by the consequences.
Which behavior by parents or teachers will best assist the child in negotiating the developmental task of industry? a. Identifying failures immediately and asking the child's peers for feedback b. Structuring the environment so the child can master tasks c. Completing homework for children who are having difficulty in completing assignments d. Decreasing expectations to eliminate potential failures
b. Structuring the environment so the child can master tasks
When teaching injury prevention during the school-age years, the nurse should include: a. Teaching the need to fear strangers. b. Teaching basic rules of water safety. c. Avoiding letting children cook in microwave ovens. d. Cautioning children against engaging in competitive sports.
b. Teaching basic rules of water safety.
A nurse is assessing an older school-age child recently admitted to the hospital. Which assessment indicates that the child is in an appropriate stage of cognitive development? a. The child's addition and subtraction ability b. The child's ability to classify c. The child's vocabulary d. The child's play activity
b. The child's ability to classify
