Carman Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 3rd Ed - Ch. 11 Caring for Children in Diverse Settings Questions
and Answers Graded A+
The nurse is caring for an 18-month-old boy hospitalized with a gastrointestinal disorder. The nurse
knows that the child is at risk for separation anxiety. The nurse watches for behaviors that indicate the
first phase of separation anxiety. For which behavior should the nurse watch?
a. Crying and acting out
b. Embracing others who attempt to comfort him
c. Losing interest in play and food
d. Exhibiting apathy and withdrawing from others - Answers Answer: a
Children in the first phase, protest, react aggressively to this separation, and reject others who attempt
to comfort the child. The other behaviors are indicators of the second phase, despair.
The nurse is caring for a preschooler who is hospitalized with a suspected blood disorder and receives an
order to draw a blood sample. Which approach is best?
a. "I need to take some blood."
b. "We need to put a little hole in your arm."
c. "I need to remove a little blood."
d. "Why don't you sit on your mom's lap?" - Answers Answer: d
It is best to include the families whenever possible so they can assist the child in coping with their fears.
Preschoolers fear mutilation and are afraid of intrusive procedures. Their magical thinking limits their
ability to understand everything, requiring communication and intervention to be on their level. Telling
the child that we need to put a little hole in their arm might scare the child.
The nurse is caring for a child hospitalized with complications from asthma. Which statement by the
parents indicates a need for careful observation of the child's anxiety level?
a. "My mother passed away here after surgery."
b. "Our twins were born here 18 months ago."
c. "My father undergoes kidney dialysis at this hospital."
d. "We attended a 'living with asthma' class here." - Answers Answer: a
Previous experience with hospitalization can either add to the positive aspects of preparation or distract
if the experiences were perceived as negative. If the child associates the hospital with the death of a
, relative, the experience is likely viewed as negative. The other statements would most likely indicate
that the child's previous experiences were viewed as positive.
A nurse is caring for a 6-year-old boy hospitalized due to an infection requiring intravenous antibiotic
therapy. The child's motor activity is restricted and he is acting out, yelling, kicking, and screaming. How
should the nurse respond to help promote positive coping?
a. "Your medicine is the only way you will get better."
b. "Let me explain why you need to sit still."
c. "Would you like to read or play video games?"
d. "Do I need to call your parents?" - Answers Answer: c
Distraction with books or games would be the best remedy to provide an outlet to distract the child
from his restricted activity. The other responses would be unlikely to affect a change in the behavior of a
6-year old.
A nurse is educating the parents on how to help their 10-year-old daughter deal with an extended
hospital stay due to surgery, followed by traction. Which response indicates a need for further teaching?
a. "I should not tell her how long she will be here."
b. "She will watch our reactions carefully."
c. "We must prepare her in advance."
d. "She will be sensitive to our concerns." - Answers Answer: a
Parents who do not tell their child the truth or do not answer the child's questions confuse, frighten, and
may weaken the child's trust in them. The other statements are effective forms of communication.
A nurse is preparing to admit a child for a tonsillectomy. How should the nurse establish rapport?
a. "Let's take a look at your tonsils."
b. "Do you understand why you are here?"
c. "Are you scared about having your tonsils out?"
d. "Tell me about your cute stuffed dog you have." - Answers Answer: d
The nurse should start the initial contact with children and their families as a foundation for developing
a trusting relationship. Asking about a favorite toy would be a good starting point. The nurse should
allow the child to participate in the conversation without the pressure of having to comply with a
request or undergo any procedures.
and Answers Graded A+
The nurse is caring for an 18-month-old boy hospitalized with a gastrointestinal disorder. The nurse
knows that the child is at risk for separation anxiety. The nurse watches for behaviors that indicate the
first phase of separation anxiety. For which behavior should the nurse watch?
a. Crying and acting out
b. Embracing others who attempt to comfort him
c. Losing interest in play and food
d. Exhibiting apathy and withdrawing from others - Answers Answer: a
Children in the first phase, protest, react aggressively to this separation, and reject others who attempt
to comfort the child. The other behaviors are indicators of the second phase, despair.
The nurse is caring for a preschooler who is hospitalized with a suspected blood disorder and receives an
order to draw a blood sample. Which approach is best?
a. "I need to take some blood."
b. "We need to put a little hole in your arm."
c. "I need to remove a little blood."
d. "Why don't you sit on your mom's lap?" - Answers Answer: d
It is best to include the families whenever possible so they can assist the child in coping with their fears.
Preschoolers fear mutilation and are afraid of intrusive procedures. Their magical thinking limits their
ability to understand everything, requiring communication and intervention to be on their level. Telling
the child that we need to put a little hole in their arm might scare the child.
The nurse is caring for a child hospitalized with complications from asthma. Which statement by the
parents indicates a need for careful observation of the child's anxiety level?
a. "My mother passed away here after surgery."
b. "Our twins were born here 18 months ago."
c. "My father undergoes kidney dialysis at this hospital."
d. "We attended a 'living with asthma' class here." - Answers Answer: a
Previous experience with hospitalization can either add to the positive aspects of preparation or distract
if the experiences were perceived as negative. If the child associates the hospital with the death of a
, relative, the experience is likely viewed as negative. The other statements would most likely indicate
that the child's previous experiences were viewed as positive.
A nurse is caring for a 6-year-old boy hospitalized due to an infection requiring intravenous antibiotic
therapy. The child's motor activity is restricted and he is acting out, yelling, kicking, and screaming. How
should the nurse respond to help promote positive coping?
a. "Your medicine is the only way you will get better."
b. "Let me explain why you need to sit still."
c. "Would you like to read or play video games?"
d. "Do I need to call your parents?" - Answers Answer: c
Distraction with books or games would be the best remedy to provide an outlet to distract the child
from his restricted activity. The other responses would be unlikely to affect a change in the behavior of a
6-year old.
A nurse is educating the parents on how to help their 10-year-old daughter deal with an extended
hospital stay due to surgery, followed by traction. Which response indicates a need for further teaching?
a. "I should not tell her how long she will be here."
b. "She will watch our reactions carefully."
c. "We must prepare her in advance."
d. "She will be sensitive to our concerns." - Answers Answer: a
Parents who do not tell their child the truth or do not answer the child's questions confuse, frighten, and
may weaken the child's trust in them. The other statements are effective forms of communication.
A nurse is preparing to admit a child for a tonsillectomy. How should the nurse establish rapport?
a. "Let's take a look at your tonsils."
b. "Do you understand why you are here?"
c. "Are you scared about having your tonsils out?"
d. "Tell me about your cute stuffed dog you have." - Answers Answer: d
The nurse should start the initial contact with children and their families as a foundation for developing
a trusting relationship. Asking about a favorite toy would be a good starting point. The nurse should
allow the child to participate in the conversation without the pressure of having to comply with a
request or undergo any procedures.
