Question 1

A hospitalized toddler was drinking from a cup at home but now refuses to drink from anything except his favorite bottle.What is the most likely reason for this behavior?

Accepted Answer

Hospitalization is frustrating for toddlers.They show their displeasure when illness restricts satisfaction of their desires.It is not unusual for a toddler who was drinking from a cup to refuse it in the hospital.

Question 2

The nurse notices that the mother of a child with cerebral palsy corrects and redoes many of the things the nurse does for her child.What is the nurse's most appropriate response to this mother?

Accepted Answer

The person who cares daily for the child with a chronic illness can provide information that will best guarantee continuity of care between the home and the hospital.

Question 3

A nurse encourages a school-age child to draw a picture after a painful procedure.What is the best rationale for this nursing intervention?

Accepted Answer

After treatments,the nurse should encourage children to draw and talk about their drawings or to act out their feelings through puppet play.

Question 4

When a 2-year-old returns to her hospital room following a diagnostic procedure,her parents are not available,and the child is crying loudly.Which technique is most appropriate to alleviate the child's distress?

Accepted Answer

Distractions such as blowing bubbles,looking through a kaleidoscope,and playing with pop-up toys may help reduce anxiety and pain.

Question 5

What is the best suggestion by the nurse when parents ask,"When is the best time to begin to prepare a 5-year-old for surgery and hospitalization?"

Accepted Answer

Parents should prepare children for procedures and hospitalization a few days in advance.

Question 6

The parents of a hospitalized toddler are upset because she seems more interested in her toys when they come to visit her.In which stage of separation anxiety is the toddler?

Accepted Answer

In the stage of denial or detachment,the child appears to deny the need for the parents and becomes uninterested in their visits.

Question 7

What should the nurse,preparing to collect an admission history from parents who have recently emigrated from Russia,keep in mind?

Accepted Answer

In Russia,a smile indicates happiness and is inappropriate in a serious or sad situation.

Question 8

A 2-year-old child has been crying constantly for his mother since he was hospitalized 3 days ago.What does this behavior suggest?

Accepted Answer

Unless toddlers are extremely ill,their grief and sense of abandonment during hospitalization are obvious.

Question 9

Which statement best corresponds to a preschooler's understanding of hospitalization?

Accepted Answer

The preschooler may feel guilty,particularly if an accident happens as a result of mischief on his or her part.

Question 10

Which nursing action would facilitate rapport with a child and the child's parents during the admission process?

Accepted Answer

The nurse tries not to appear rushed.A matter-of-fact attitude must be maintained regardless of the child's condition.

Question 11

The nurse must make a room assignment for a 16-year-old with cystic fibrosis.Which roommate would be the most appropriate for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Adolescents usually do better in rooms with one or more roommates than in single rooms.The adolescent would do best with a roommate who is closest to his or her age and also lives with a chronic illness.

Question 12

The parents of a hospitalized 9-month-old infant ask if their preschool child may visit his younger sibling.What understanding would assist the nurse most in formulating a response?

Accepted Answer

Siblings are affected by a child's hospitalization.Their ability to cope is influenced by their age,experience,and intactness of the family.

Question 13

What statement by the parent of a hospitalized toddler leads the nurse to determine the parent understands a hospitalized toddler's need for transitional objects?

Accepted Answer

The use of a transitional object such as a blanket or a favorite toy promotes security.

Question 14

A 13-year-old girl has been hospitalized for the past week.When discussing the girl's feelings about her illness,what would the nurse expect the girl to express as her biggest concern?

Accepted Answer

Illness during early adolescence (12 to 15 years)is seen mainly as a threat to body image.

Question 15

The nurse explains to the parents of a hospitalized child that their child will receive fentanyl for an upcoming procedure.What advantage of fentanyl will the nurse explain?

Accepted Answer

Fentanyl is a drug useful for all ages because of its rapid onset and brief duration.

Question 16

A 4-year-old begins to cry when his mother tells him it is time for his operation.The nurse understands this is an expected reaction.On which particular fear of the preschooler does the nurse base this understanding?

Accepted Answer

The preschool-age child is afraid of bodily harm,particularly invasive procedures.

Question 17

The mother of a 3-year-old tells the nurse that she will be in to visit tomorrow around 12:00 PM.The next morning,the child asks the nurse,"When is my mommy coming?" What is the nurse's best response?

Accepted Answer

The toddler and preschooler do not understand time yet.They understand time relationships through activities in their experience,such as naptime and mealtimes.

Question 18

The mother of a hospitalized toddler states,"He cries when I visit.Maybe I should just stay away." What is the nurse's best response?

Accepted Answer

During the second stage of separation anxiety (despair),the child is quiet,is not crying,and is sad and depressed.The child will revert to protest when the parent arrives for a visit.

Question 19

An 8-year-old child will be hospitalized for several weeks in skeletal traction to treat a fractured femur.What does the nurse realize immobilization in this age-group can generate feelings of in planning care of this child?

Accepted Answer

Forced dependency in the hospital,such as immobilization,can result in a feeling of loss of control and loss of security.

Question 20

Which child would have the most difficulty in coping with separation from parents because of hospitalization?

Accepted Answer

Separation anxiety occurs after age 6 months and is most pronounced in the toddler.

Quiz 21: The Child’s Experience of Hospitalization