The nurse is performing a physical assessment of a 3-year-old girl. What finding
would be a concern for the nurse?
A) The toddler gained 4 lb in weight since last year.
B) The toddler gained 3 in in height since last year.
C) The toddler's anterior fontanel is not fully closed.
D) The circumference of the child's head increased 1 in since last year. Correct Ans: C
Feedback:
The anterior fontanel should be closed by the time the child is 18 months old. The
average toddler weight gain is 3 to 5 lb per year. Length/height increases by an
average of 3 in per year. Head circumference increases about 1 in from when the
child is between 1 and 2 years of age, then increases an average of a half inch per
year until age 5.
2. The nurse is describing the maturation of various organ systems during
toddlerhood to the parents. What would the nurse correctly include in this description?
A) Myelination of the brain and spinal cord is complete at about 24 months.
B) Alveoli reach adult numbers by 3 years of age.
C) Urine output in a toddler typically averages approximately 30 mL/hour.
D) Toddlers typically have strong abdominal muscles by the age of 2. Correct Ans: A
Feedback:
Myelination of the brain and spinal cord continues to progress and is complete
around 24 months of age. Alveoli reach adult numbers usually around the age of 7.
Urine output in a toddler typically averages 1 mL/kg/hour. Abdominal musculature in
a toddler is weak, resulting in a pot-bellied appearance.
The nurse is teaching the parents of 2-year-old toddler methods of dealing with their child's
"negativism." Based on Erikson's theory of development, what would be an appropriate
intervention for this child?
A) Discourage solitary play; encourage playing with other children.
B) Encourage the child to pick out his own clothes.
C) Use "time-outs" whenever the child says "no" inappropriately.
D) Encourage the child to take turns when playing games. Correct Ans: B
Feedback:
Erikson defines the toddler period as a time of autonomy versus shame and doubt.
It is a time of exerting independence. Allowing the child to choose his own clothes
helps him to assert his independence. Negativism and always saying "no" is a normal
part of healthy development and is occurring as a result of the toddler's attempt to
assert his or her independence. It should not be punished with "time-outs." The
toddler should be encouraged to play alone and with other children. Toddlers cannot
take turns in games until age 3.
, The nurse is caring for a toddler who is in Piaget's sensorimotor stage of cognitive development.
Which task would the nurse expect the toddler to be able to perform?
A) Completing puzzles with four pieces
B) Winding up a mechanical toy
C) Playing make-believe with dolls
D) Knowing which are his or her toys Correct Ans: D
Feedback:
The toddler in Piaget's sensorimotor stage of cognitive development (18 to 24 months)
understands requests, is capable of following simple directions, and has a
sense of ownership (knowing which toys are his). The other tasks are accomplished by the child
in the preoperational stage (2 to 7 years).
The nurse is observing a 24-month-old boy in a day care center. Which finding suggests delayed
motor development?
A) The child has trouble undressing himself.
B) The child is unable to push a toy lawnmower.
C) The child is unable to unscrew a jar lid.
D) The child falls when he bends over. Correct Ans: B
Feedback:
Children with normal motor development are able to push toys with wheels at 24
months of age. He won't be ready to undress himself, unscrew a jar lid, or bend over without
falling until about 36 months of age.
What activity would the nurse expect to find in an 18-month-old?
A) Standing on tiptoes
B) Pedaling a tricycle
C) Climbing stairs with assistance
D) Carrying a large toy while walking Correct Ans: C
Feedback:
Toddlers continue to progress with motor skills. An 18-month-old should be able to
climb stairs with assistance. A 24-month-old should be able to stand on his or her tiptoes and
carry a large toy while walking. A 36-month-old would be able to pedal a tricycle.
The pediatric nurse is planning quiet activities for a hospitalized 18-month-old. What would be
an appropriate activity for a child of this age group?
A) Painting by number
B) Putting shapes into appropriate holes
C) Stacking blocks
D) Using crayons to color in a coloring book Correct Ans: C
Feedback:
At 18 months, the child can stack four blocks. The 24-month-old can paint (but not
by number), scribble, and color, and put round pegs into holes.