Wong Ch. 14 Health Promotion of School-Age Children

What are the goals of organized athletics for preadolescent children? (Select all that apply.) a. Physical fitness b. Basic motor skills c. A positive self-image d. Commitment to winning

ANS: A, B, C The goals of organized athletics for preadolescent children include physical fitness, basic motor skills, and a positive self-image. The commitment is to the values of teamwork, fair play, and sportsmanship, not to winning.

Which statement is not accurate regarding the roles and responsibilities of a school nurse? A. They are responsible for development and implementation of plans of care for all children within the designated school. B. All school nurses are registered nurses. C. They are responsible for medical needs of the children within the designated school. D. They evaluate implementation of care delivered to children within the designated school setting.

ANS B Not all schools have a school nurse but may have unlicensed assistive personnel that work within the school setting that have received training to provide routine standardized care under the supervision of a school nurse. The other options are all within the roles and responsibilities of a school nurse.

An important consideration in preventing injuries during middle childhood is that A. peer pressure is not strong enough to affect risk-taking behavior. B. most injuries occur in or near school or home. C. injuries from burns are the highest at this age because of fascination with fire. D. lack of muscular coordination and control results in an increased incidence of injuries.

ANS B. Most children in the middle years spend the majority of their time in and around school or home; therefore, the risk for injuries is increased in and around these areas. Peer pressure as an impetus for risk-taking behavior begins in the school-age years but is more significant in adolescence. Burn injuries are higher in the toddler years, when children are curious and mobile. They may expose themselves to objects capable of burning them (e.g., hot pots of water in the kitchen). Automobile accidents, either as a pedestrian or passenger, account for the majority of severe accidents in the middle years. School-age children have more refined muscle development, which results in an overall decrease in the number of accidents. Lack of muscular coordination and control leading to injuries occurs in younger children.

A child has sustained an injury and lost a primary tooth. Which priority action should be taken by the nurse at this time? A. Provide comfort measures and assess for bleeding. B. Referral to the dentist for immediate consultation. C. Recover the tooth and prepare for reimplantation. D. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it off and cover in gauze until needed for reimplantation.

ANS. A Avulsed primary teeth are usually not reimplanted. Therefore the nurse should focus on assessment of the site and comfort measures. All of the other options would be indicated if an avulsed tooth were to be reimplanted.

A finding that is consistent with prepubescence is: A. variation in physical appearance between boys and girls. B. age of onset of physical signs is the same for both boys and girls. C. does not occur during the preadolescence period. D. appearance of secondary sex characteristics is the same for both boys and girls.

ANS. A During the period of prepubescence there is a variation in physical appearance between boys and girls. The age of onset of these appearances also varies with girls exhibiting changes earlier than their male counterparts. The changes occur during the preadolescence period. Secondary sex characteristics also present at different times for boys and girls.

Which benchmark serves as the ending period for the middle year period of development? A. Beginning school B. Onset of puberty C. Wisdom teeth appearing D. Loss of deciduous teeth

ANS. B The onset of puberty signals the end of the middle year period. Beginning school and loss of deciduous teeth are associated with the beginning of the middle year period. Appearance of wisdom teeth occurs later on in life.

Which behavior is most characteristic of the concrete operations stage of cognitive development? A. Progression from reflex activity to imitative behavior B. Inability to put oneself in another's place C. Increasingly logical and coherent thought processes D. Ability to think in abstract terms and draw logical conclusions

ANS. C Increasingly logical and coherent thought processes are characteristic of concrete operations. Children in this stage are able to classify objects. Progression from reflex activity to imitative behavior is characteristic of the sensorimotor stage, which occurs from birth to 2 years of age. Inability to put oneself in another's place is characteristic of the preoperational stage, ages 2 to 7 years. Adolescents, in the formal operations stage, have the ability to think in abstract terms and draw logical conclusions.

Parents of a 10-year-old child are concerned that their child has been recently showing signs of low self-esteem. Which should the nurse consider when discussing this issue with the parents? A. Changing self-esteem is difficult after about age 5 years. B. Self-esteem is the objective judgment of one's worthiness. C. Transitory periods of lowered self-esteem are expected developmentally. D. High self-esteem develops when parents show adequate love for the child.

ANS. C Self-esteem changes with development. Transient declines are expected and, with positive encouragement and support, are only temporary. Self-esteem is influenced throughout adolescence. One aspect of self-esteem is a subjective judgment of one's worthiness. Self-esteem is based on several factors, including competence, sense of control, moral worth, and worthiness of love and acceptance.

The school nurse needs to obtain authorization for a child who requires medications while at school. From whom does the nurse obtain the authorization? a. The parents b. The pharmacist c. The school administrator d. The prescribing practitioner

ANS: A A child who requires medication during the school day requires written authorization from the parent or guardian. Most schools also require that the medication be in the original container appropriately labeled by the pharmacist or physician. Some schools allow children to receive over-the-counter medications with parental permission. The pharmacist may be asked to appropriately label the medication for use at the school, but authorization is not required. The school administration should have a policy in place that facilitates the administration of medications for children who need them. The prescribing practitioner is responsible for ensuring that the medication is appropriate for the child. Because the child is a minor, parental consent is required.

A child has an evulsed (knocked-out) tooth. Which medium should the nurse instruct the parents to place the tooth in for transport to the dentist? a. In cold milk b. In cold water c. In warm salt water d. In a dry, clean jar

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

What is an important consideration in preventing injuries during middle childhood? a. Achieving social acceptance is a primary objective. b. The incidence of injuries in girls is significantly higher than it is in boys. c. Injuries from burns are the highest at this age because of fascination with fire. d. Lack of muscular coordination and control results in an increased incidence of injuries.

ANS: A School-age children often participate in dangerous activities in an attempt to prove themselves worthy of acceptance. The incidence of injury during middle childhood is significantly higher in boys compared with girls. Motor vehicle collisions are the most common cause of severe injuries in children. Children have increasing muscular coordination. Children who are risk takers may have inadequate self-regulatory behavior.

A 9-year-old girl often comes to the school nurse complaining of stomach pains. Her teacher says she is completing her school work satisfactorily but lately 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 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.

Teasing can be common during the school-age years. The nurse should recognize that which applies 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

ANS: 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.

A school-age child has been a victim of bullying. What characteristics does the nurse assess for in this child? (Select all that apply.) a. Anxiety b. Outgoing c. Low self-esteem d. Psychosomatic complaints e. Good academic performance

ANS: A, C, D Victims of bullying are at increased risk for low self-esteem; anxiety; depression; feelings of insecurity and loneliness; poor academic performance; and psychosomatic complaints such as feeling tense, tired, or dizzy.

The nurse is planning strategies to assist a slow-to-warm child to try new experiences. What strategies should the nurse plan? (Select all that apply.) a. Attend after-school activities with a friend. b. Suggest the child move quickly into a new situation. c. Avoid trying new experiences until the child is ready. d. Allow the child to adapt to the experience at his or her own pace. e. Contract for permission to withdraw after a trial of the experience.

ANS: A, D, E The nurse should encourage slow-to-warm children to try new experiences but allow them to adapt to their surroundings at their own speed. Pressure to move quickly into new situations only strengthens their tendency to withdraw. After-school activities can be a cause for reaction, but attending with a friend or contracting for permission to withdraw after a trial of a specified number of times may provide them with sufficient incentive to try.

The school nurse is providing guidance to families of children who are entering elementary school. What is essential information to include? a. Meet with teachers only at scheduled conferences. b. Encourage growth of a sense of responsibility in children. c. Provide tutoring for children to ensure mastery of material. d. Homework should be done as soon as child comes home from school.

ANS: B By being responsible for school work, children learn to keep promises, meet deadlines, and succeed in their jobs as adults. Parents should meet with the teachers at the beginning of the school year, for scheduled conferences, and whenever information about the child or parental concerns needs to be shared. Tutoring should be provided only in special circumstances in elementary school, such as in response to prolonged absence. The parent should not dictate the study time but should establish guidelines to ensure that homework is done.

What is descriptive of the social development of school-age children? a. Identification with peers is minimum. b. Children frequently have best friends. c. Boys and girls play equally with each other. d. Peer approval is not yet an influence for the child to conform.

ANS: B Identification with peers is a strong influence in childrens gaining independence from parents. Interaction among peers leads to the formation of close friendships with same-sex peersbest friends. Daily relationships with age mates in the school setting provide important social interactions for school-age children. During the later school years, groups are composed predominantly of children of the same sex. Conforming to the rules of the peer group provides children with a sense of security and relieves them of the responsibility of making decisions.

The nurse is teaching a group of 10- to 12-year-old children about physical development during the school-age years. Which statement made by a participant, indicates the correct understanding of the teaching? a. "My body weight will be almost triple in the next few years." b. "I will grow an average of 2 inches per year from this point on." c. "There are not that many physical differences among school-age children." d. "I will have a gradual increase in fat, which may contribute to a heavier appearance."

ANS: B In middle childhood, growth in height and weight occurs 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.

A school nurse observes school-age children playing at recess. Which is descriptive of the play the nurse expects to observe? a. Individuality in play is better tolerated than at earlier ages. b. Knowing the rules of a game gives an important sense of belonging. c. They like to invent games, making up the rules as they go. d. Team play helps children learn the universal importance of competition and winning.

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

A school-age child has begun to sleepwalk. What does the nurse advise the parents to perform? a. Wake the child and help determine what is wrong. b. Leave the child alone unless he or she is in danger of harming him- or herself or others. c. Arrange for psychologic evaluation to identify the cause of stress. d. Keep the child awake later in the evening to ensure sufficient tiredness for a full night of sleep.

ANS: B Sleepwalking is usually self-limiting and requires no treatment. The child usually moves about restlessly and then returns to bed. Usually the actions are repetitive and clumsy. The child should not be awakened unless in danger. If there is a need to awaken the child, it should be done by calling the childs name to gradually bring to a state of alertness. Some children, who are usually well behaved and tend to repress feelings, may sleepwalk because of strong emotions. These children usually respond to relaxation techniques before bedtime. If a child is overly fatigued, sleepwalking can increase.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children younger than the age of 16 years be prohibited from participating in what? a. Skateboarding b. Snowmobiling c. Trampoline use d. Horseback riding

ANS: B The AAP views the use of snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles as major health hazards for children. This group opposes the use of these vehicles by children younger than 16 years of age. The AAP recommends that children younger than the age of 10 years not use skateboards without parental supervision. Protective gear is always suggested. Trampoline use has increased along with injuries. Adults should supervise use. Horseback riding injuries are also a source of concern. Parents should determine the instructors safety record with students.

What is an important consideration for the school nurse who is planning a class on bicycle safety? a. Most bicycle injuries involve collision with an automobile. b. Head injuries are the major causes of bicycle-related fatalities. c. Children should wear a bicycle helmet if they ride on paved streets. d. Children should not ride double unless the bicycle has an extra large seat.

ANS: 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 unless it is a tandem bike (built for two).

When teaching injury prevention during the school-age years, what should the nurse include? a. Teach children to fear strangers. b. Teach basic rules of water safety. c. Avoid letting child cook in microwave ovens. d. Caution child against engaging in competitive sports.

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

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.

ANS: 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 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 at this age. d. characteristic of children who later are at risk for membership in gangs.

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

A parent asks about whether a 7-year-old child is able to care for a dog. Based on the childs age, what does the nurse suggest? a. Caring for an animal requires more maturity than the average 7-year-old possesses. b. This will help the parent identify the childs weaknesses. c. A dog can help the child develop confidence and emotional health. d. Cats are better pets for school-age children.

ANS: C Pets have been observed to influence a childs self-esteem. They can have a positive effect on physical and emotional health and can teach children the importance of nurturing and nonverbal communication. Most 7-year-old children are capable of caring for a pet with supervision. Caring for a pet should be a positive experience. It should not be used to identify weaknesses. The pet chosen does not matter as much as the childs being responsible for a pet.

A middle age child understands that with regards to a mathematical equation that 7 can be composed of 4+3 as well as 2+5. Based on this finding, the nurse documents that the development level of the child reflects? A. Concrete operations B. Verification of latency period C. Conservation D. Accomplished industry versus inferiority

ANS: C Piaget's cognitive theory development describes conservation as the ability of the child to understand that the same concept may exist as identified by a different method. Numerical relationships are understood before substance conservation. Concrete operations is the term Piaget applies to the entire stage whereby children are able to use thought processes to experience events and actions. The latency period is described by Freud as the ability of the child to go from peer relationships to heterosexual relationships. Industry versus inferiority refers to Erikson's overview of this time frame whereby children if successful master the challenges between industry and inferiority.

What does the nurse understand about caloric needs for school-age children? a. The caloric needs for the school-age children are the same as for other age groups. b. The caloric needs for school-age children are more than they were in the preschool years. c. The caloric needs for school-age children are lower than they were in the preschool years. d. The caloric needs for school-age children are greater than they will be in the adolescent years.

ANS: C School-age children do not need to be fed as carefully, as promptly, or as frequently as before. Caloric needs are lower than they were in the preschool years and lower than they will be during the coming adolescent growth spurt.

What statement best describes the relationship school-age children have with their families? a. Ready to reject parental controls b. Desire to spend equal time with family and peers c. Need and want restrictions placed on their behavior by the family d. Peer group replaces the family as the primary influence in setting standards of behavior and rules

ANS: C School-age children need and want restrictions placed on their behavior, and they are not prepared to cope with all the problems of their expanding environment. Although increased independence is the goal of middle childhood, they feel more secure knowing that an authority figure can implement controls and restriction. In the middle school years, children prefer peer group activities to family activities and want to spend more time in the company of peers. Family values usually take precedence over peer value systems.

The nurse is teaching a class on nutrition to a group of parents of 10- and 11-year-old children. What statement by one of the parents indicates a correct understanding of the teaching? a. My child does not need to eat a variety of foods, just his favorite food groups. b. My child can add salt and sugar to foods to make them taste better. c. I will serve foods that are low in saturated fat and cholesterol. d. I will continue to serve red meat three times per week for extra iron.

ANS: C School-age children should be eating foods that are low in saturated fat and cholesterol to prevent long-term consequences. The childs diet should include a variety of foods, include moderate amounts of extra salt and sugar, emphasize consumption of lean protein (chicken and pork), and limit red meat.

The nurse is explaining about the developmental sequence in childrens capacity to conserve matter to a group of parents. What type of matter is last in the sequence for a child to develop? a. Mass b. Length c. Volume d. Numbers

ANS: C There is a developmental sequence in childrens capacity to conserve matter. Children usually grasp conservation of numbers (ages 5 to 6 years) before conservation of substance. Conservation of liquids, mass, and length usually is accomplished at about ages 6 to 7 years, conservation of weight sometime later (ages 9 to 10 years), and conservation of volume or displacement last (ages 9 to 12 years).

The nurse is developing a teaching pamphlet for parents of school-age children. What anticipatory guidelines should the nurse include in the pamphlet? a. At age 6 years, parents should be certain that the child is reading independently with books provided by school. b. At age 8 years, parents should expect a decrease in involvement with peers and outside activities. c. At age 10 years, parents should expect a decrease in admiration of the parents with little interest in parentchild activities. d. At age 12 years, parents should be certain that the childs sex education is adequate with accurate information.

ANS: D A 12-year-old child should have been introduced to sex education, and parents should be certain that the information is adequate and accurate and that the child is not embarrassed to talk about sexual feelings or other aspects of sex education. At age 6 years, a child does not need to be reading independently and usually still needs help with reading and enjoys being read to. At 8 years of age, parents should expect their child to show increased involvement with peers and outside activities and should encourage this behavior. A 10-year-old child exhibits increased feelings of admiration of parents, especially fathers, and parentchild activities should be encouraged.

Parents ask the nurse whether it is common for their school-age child to spend a lot of time with peers. The nurse should respond, explaining that the role of the peer group in the life of school-age children provides: a. opportunity to become defiant. b. time to remain dependent on their parents for a longer time. c. time to establish a one-on-one relationship with the opposite sex. d. security as they gain independence from their parents.

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

What do nursing interventions to promote health during middle childhood include? a. Stress the need for increased calorie intake to meet increased demands. b. Instruct parents to defer questions about sex until the child reaches adolescence. c. Advise parents that the child will need increasing amounts of rest toward the end of this period. d. Educate parents about the need for good dental hygiene because these are the years in which permanent teeth erupt.

ANS: D The permanent teeth erupt during the school-age years. Good dental hygiene and regular attention to dental caries are vital parts of health supervision during this period. Caloric needs are decreased in relation to body size for this age group. Balanced nutrition is essential to promote growth. Questions about sex should be addressed honestly as the child asks questions. The child usually no longer needs a nap, but most require approximately 11 hours of sleep each night at age 5 years and 9 hours at age 12 years.

The school nurse is discussing after-school sports participation with parents of children age 10 years. The nurses presentation includes which important consideration? a. Teams should be gender specific. b. Organized sports are not appropriate at this age. c. Competition is detrimental to the establishment of a positive self-image. d. Sports participation is encouraged if the type of sport is appropriate to the childs abilities.

ANS: D Virtually every child is suited for some type of sport. The child should be matched to the type of sport appropriate to his or her abilities and physical and emotional makeup. At this age, girls and boys have the same basic structure and similar responses to exercise and training. After puberty, teams should be gender specific because of the increased muscle mass in boys. Organized sports help children learn teamwork and skill acquisition. The emphasis should be on playing and learning. Children do enjoy appropriate levels of competition.

A 10-year-old child is riding a bicycle on the grounds of the school. Which finding if observed by the school nurse would require intervention? A. Child is seen walking the bicycle through the crosswalk. B. Child is riding close to the curb. C. Child's shoes are ill fitting. D. Child is riding single file.

ANS C. Shoes that are ill fitting can result in potential injury as they can get caught up in gears and affect the ability of the child to navigate. All of the other observed behaviors are consistent with safe practice.

In reviewing information about a school-age child, the nurse notes that the child goes to after school activities each day as the parents do not get home until considerably later in the day. Based on this description, the nurse would document A. concern for the growth and development due to lack of parental influence. B. no further action is needed. C. referral to a social worker for evaluation of the family unit. D. notation of being a latchkey child.

B. Many children have working parents and do not exhibit any adverse outcomes if they attend after school activities each day following release from school. There is no need for referral to a social worker. A latchkey child by definition is one that has no parental or supervision contact following the school day and are responsible for their own care until the parent comes home.

The school nurse is teaching female school-age children about the average age of puberty. What is the average age of puberty for girls? a. 10 years b. 11 years c. 12 years d. 13 years

ANS: C The average age of puberty is 12 years in girls.

A parent is concerned as her 6-year-old child "cheats" when playing games with other children. The parent is concerned that this behavior will affect future behaviors as the child gets older. The nurse understands the parent's anxiety about the described behavior and provides the following assurance A. this type of behavior occurs around this age period and is due to the child not being able to understand what it means to lose. B. this is a prompted behavior that occurs intermittently at this age. C. you are right to be concerned about this type of behavior. D. it is best to ignore the behavior as it will stop eventually.

A. Cheating as a behavior occurs primarily between the ages of 5 and 6. It is almost at times displayed as an automatic behavior as the child does not understand about winning and losing. The behavior typically goes away as the child matures. Ignoring the behavior without some direction is not advised as it is best to address the situation and help the child to begin understanding of the concept.

At which age, is a strong preference exhibited for members of the same sex to engage in play activities rather than play with mixed groups? A. 7 B. 6 C. 8 D. 9

ANS. A At age 7, boys prefer to play with boys and girls prefer to play with girls. At age 6, play is considered to be more independent but showing some degree of socialization. Between the ages of 8 and 9, there is more interest in body-girl relationships and beginning to mix group play.

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

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

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

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

ANS: 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 male school-age student asks the school nurse, How much with my height increase in a year? The nurse should give which response? a. Your height will increase on average 1 inch a year. b. Your height will increase on average 2 inches a year. c. Your height will increase on average 3 inches a year. d. Your height will increase on average 4 inches a year.

ANS: B Between the ages of 6 and 12 years, children grow an average of 5 cm (2 inches) per year.

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

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

Parents of a twelve-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 b. 9 c. 10 d. 11

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

The school nurse recognizes that children respond to stress by using which tactics? (Select all that apply.) a. Passivity b. Delinquency c. Daydreaming d. Delaying tactics e. Becoming outgoing

ANS: B, C, D Children respond to stress by using coping mechanisms that include internalizing symptoms such as withdrawal, delaying tactics, and daydreaming, along with externalizing symptoms such as aggression and delinquency.

Characteristics of bullies include what? (Select all that apply.) a. Female b. Depressed c. Good peer relationships d. Poor academic performance e. Exposed to domestic violence

ANS: B, D, E Children who are bullies are likely to be male, depressed, have poor academic performance, be exposed to domestic violence, have poor peer relationships, and have poor communication with their parents.

A female school-age child asks the school nurse, How many pounds should I expect to gain in a year? The nurse should give which response? a. You will gain about 2.4 to 4.6 lb per year b. You will gain about 3.4 to 5.6 lb per year. c. You will gain about 4.4 to 6.6 lb per year. d. You will gain about 5.5 to 7.6 lb per year.

ANS: C Between the ages of 6 and 12 years, children will almost double in weight, increasing 2 to 3 kg (4.4 to 6.6 lb) per year.

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

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

The parents of 9-year-old twin children tell the nurse, They have filled up their bedroom with collections of rocks, shells, stamps, and bird nests. The nurse should recognize that this is which? a. Indicative of giftedness b. Indicative of typical twin behavior c. Characteristic of cognitive development at this age d. Characteristic of psychosocial development at this age

ANS: C Classification skills involve the ability to group objects according to the attributes they have in common. School-age children can place things in a sensible and logical order, group and sort, and hold a concept in their mind while they make decisions based on that concept. Individuals who are not twins engage in classification at this age. Psychosocial behavior at this age is described according to Eriksons stage of industry versus inferiority.

A nurse planning care for a school-age child should take into account that which thought process is seen at this age? a. Animism b. Magical thinking c. Ability to conserve d. Thoughts are all-powerful

ANS: 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.

Generally, the earliest age at which puberty begins is _____ years in girls, _____ in boys. a. 13; 13 b. 11; 11 c. 10; 12 d. 12; 10

ANS: C Puberty signals the beginning of the development of secondary sex characteristics. This begins earlier in girls than in boys. Usually a 2-year difference occurs in the age of onset. Girls and boys do not usually begin puberty at the same age. Girls generally begin puberty 2 years earlier than boys.

The school nurse is teaching male school-age children about the average age of puberty. What is the average age of puberty for boys? a. 12 years b. 13 years c. 14 years d. 15 years

ANS: C The average age of puberty is 14 years in boys. Boys experience little sexual maturation during preadolescence.

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

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

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

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

Which describes the cognitive abilities of school-age children? a. Have developed the ability to reason abstractly b. Are 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. Are able to classify, to group and sort, and to hold a concept in their minds while making decisions based on that concept

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

Which 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.

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

The parents of a 5-year-old child ask the nurse, How many hours of sleep a night does our child need? The nurse should give which response? a. A 5-year-old child requires 8 hours of sleep. b. A 5-year-old child requires 9.5 hours of sleep. c. A 5-year-old child requires 10 hours of sleep. d. A 5-year-old child requires 11.5 hours of sleep.

ANS: D Sleep requirements decrease during school-age years; 5-year-old children generally require 11.5 hours of sleep.

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, snacks, and bedtime

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

The father of a 12-year-old child tells the nurse that he is concerned about his son getting "fat." His son is at the 50th percentile for height and the 75th percentile for weight on the growth chart. The most appropriate nursing action is to: a. reassure the father that his child is not fat. b. reassure the father that his child is just growing. c. suggest a low-calorie, low-fat diet. d. explain that this is typical of the growth pattern of boys at this age.

ANS: D This is a characteristic pattern of growth in preadolescent boys, where the growth in height has slowed in preparation for the pubertal growth spurt, but weight is still gained. The nurse should review this with both the father and the child and develop a plan to maintain physical exercise and a balanced diet. It is false reassurance to tell the father that his son is not fat. His weight is high for his height. The child needs to maintain his physical activity. The father is concerned, so 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 fifth grade. The nurse should recognize that: a. children in fifth grade are too young for sex education. b. children should be discouraged from asking too many questions. c. correct terminology should be reserved for children who are older. d. sex can be presented as a normal part of growth and development.

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