Question 1

The nurse is conducting a well-child examination of a 5-year-old girl, who was 40 inches tall at her last examination at age 4. Which of the following height measurements would be within the normal range of growth expected for a preschooler?

Accepted Answer

Preschoolers typically grow about 2.5 inches per year. Since the child was 40 inches tall at her last examination, a height of 43 inches would be within the normal range of growth expected for a year, making option B correct.

Question 2

The nurse is teaching the parents of a 4-year-old boy about the normal maturations of the child's organs during the preschool years and their effect on body functions. Which of the following statements accurately describe these changes? Select all answers that apply.

Accepted Answer

Myelination of the spinal cord allows for bowel and bladder control by age 3. Respiratory structures grow, and alveoli increase until age 7. Bones and muscles strengthen, but the musculoskeletal system isn't fully mature. The small intestine grows, with typical stool passage once or twice daily.

Question 3

The nurse is assessing the psychosocial development of a preschooler. Which of the following are normal activities characteristic of the preschooler? Select all answers that apply.

Accepted Answer

Preschoolers, typically aged 3 to 5 years, are known for their imaginative play, including planning activities, making up games, initiating activities with others, and acting out roles of other people. These activities reflect their developing social skills, creativity, and understanding of social roles. Parallel play is more characteristic of toddlers, while classifying objects and understanding relationships among objects are cognitive skills that develop later.

Question 4

The nurse is caring for a 5-year-old girl posttonsillectomy. The girl looks out the window and tells the nurse that it is raining and says, "The sky is crying because it is sad that my throat hurts." The nurse understands that the girl is demonstrating which mental process?

Accepted Answer

Magical thinking is when children believe that their thoughts or wishes can influence the world around them, such as thinking the sky is crying because of her sore throat.

Question 5

The parents of a 4-year-old ask the nurse when their child will be able to differentiate right from wrong and develop morals. What would be the best response of the nurse?

Accepted Answer

During the preschool years, children begin to develop a conscience, which means they start to understand the difference between right and wrong. This is a foundational period for moral development.

Question 6

Which activity would the nurse least likely include as exemplifying the preconceptual phase of Piaget's preoperational stage?

Accepted Answer

The preconceptual phase of Piaget's preoperational stage, typically occurring between ages 2 and 4, is characterized by symbolic play, egocentrism, and animism. Understanding of opposites and active imagination are also part of this stage. However, beginning to question parents' values is more aligned with later developmental stages, as children in the preconceptual phase are still very much centered on their own perspective and have not yet developed the cognitive abilities to critically evaluate and question complex concepts such as values.

Question 7

The nurse is assessing the motor skills of a 5-year-old girl. Which finding would cause the nurse to be concerned?

Accepted Answer

At 5 years old, a child's drawing of a person should include more than three body parts, indicating more advanced motor skills and cognitive development. Drawing a person with only three body parts might suggest developmental delays.

Question 8

The school nurse is helping parents choose books for their preschoolers. What literacy skills present in the preschooler would the nurse consider when making choices? Select all answers that apply.

Accepted Answer

Preschoolers enjoy picture books and stories with repeated phrases, which help maintain their attention. They demonstrate early literacy skills by reciting stories, pretending to read, and asking questions about the story.

Question 9

The parents of a preschooler ask the nurse to help them choose a preschool for their child. Which of the following are recommended guidelines and goals for choosing a preschool? Select all answers that apply.

Accepted Answer

These are all recommended guidelines and goals for choosing a preschool. The main goal of preschool is not to improve reading and writing skills and readiness for entering into grade school, although these may be benefits of attending preschool. The teachers should not decide how focused on curriculum the school should be for each individual student. Parents should not choose a preschool that uses corporal punishment.

Question 10

The mother of a 4-year-old boy tells the nurse that her son occasionally wets his pants during the day. How should the nurse respond?

Accepted Answer

The nurse should gather more information about the circumstances to understand if there are any patterns or triggers for the accidents, which can help in determining if there is an underlying issue or if it is a normal part of development.

Question 11

The nurse is explaining to parents that the preschooler's developmental task is focused on the development of initiative rather than guilt. Which of the following is a priority intervention the nurse might recommend for parents of preschoolers to stimulate initiative?

Accepted Answer

Rewarding the child for initiative helps in building self-esteem, which is crucial for the development of initiative. This approach encourages the child to try new things and make decisions, fostering a sense of independence and confidence.

Question 12

The parents of a 5-year-old boy tell the nurse that their son is having frequent episodes of night terrors. Which of the following statements would indicate that the boy is having nightmares instead of night terrors?

Accepted Answer

Nightmares can be remembered and described by the child, which differentiates them from night terrors, where the child usually has no recollection of the event.

Question 13

The mother of a 5-year-old boy calls the nurse and seeks advice on how to assist the child with the recent death of his paternal grandfather. The boy keeps asking when his grandpa is coming back. How should the nurse respond?

Accepted Answer

Children at the age of 5 often do not understand the concept of death being permanent, so it's normal for them to ask questions about a deceased loved one returning. It's important to acknowledge their feelings and provide age-appropriate explanations.

Question 14

The nurse is developing a nursing care plan for a hospitalized 6-year-old. Which of the following behaviors would warrant nursing intervention?

Accepted Answer

Engaging in imaginative play and having imaginary friends (A and B) are normal behaviors for a 6-year-old, as is quickly changing subjects during conversation (C). However, not wanting to play with other children (D) could indicate social withdrawal, anxiety, or depression, which would require nursing intervention to assess and support the child's emotional and social needs.

Question 15

The nurse is caring for preschoolers in a day care center. Of which of the following developmental milestones of this age group should the nurse be aware? Select all answers that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is caring for preschoolers in...

Question 16

When observing a group of preschoolers at play in the clinic waiting room, which type of play would the nurse be least likely to note?

Accepted Answer

The answer of When observing a group of preschoolers at...

Question 17

The nurse is supervising lunch time for children on a pediatric ward. Which of the following observations is considered abnormal for this age group?

Accepted Answer

Using fingers instead of utensils like a fork is considered abnormal for a child old enough to have a full set of primary teeth and chew meat, indicating they should have developed the fine motor skills for using utensils.

Question 18

The nurse of a preschool child is helping parents develop a healthy meal plan for their child. Which of the following nutritional requirements for this age group should the nurse consider?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse of a preschool child is...

Question 19

The parents of a 4-year-old who is a picky eater ask the nurse what foods to include in their child's diet to provide adequate iron consumption. Which of the following foods would the nurse recommend?

Accepted Answer

Cooked lentils are a good source of iron, which is important for children's growth and development. Whole milk, oranges, and sweet potatoes, while nutritious, do not provide as much iron as lentils.

Question 20

The nurse is counseling parents of a picky eater on how to promote healthy eating habits in their child. Which of the following interventions would be appropriate advice?

Accepted Answer

Allowing the child to choose what to eat from a variety of healthy options encourages autonomy and reduces pressure, which can help develop healthy eating habits.

Quiz 27: Growth and Development of the Preschooler