When caring for a 3-year-old child, the nurse would provide which toy for the child?

Preschooler growth and developmental milestones NCLEX questions quiz for nursing students!

In pediatric nursing, you must be familiar with the developmental milestones. These milestones are routinely assessed by the nurse to ensure the infant is developing properly. This developmental milestones quiz will assess your knowledge on body changes, milestone achievement, nursing interventions for the hospitalized preschooler, eating plan etc.

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Preschooler Growth Developmental Milestones Questions

1. Your patient is 4-years-old. According to Erickson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development the child should develop ____________ by the end of their developmental stage.

A. trust

B. purpose

C. autonomy

D. competence

The answer is B: purpose. Ages 3-5 years include preschoolers, and according to Erickson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development the child is in the Initiative vs. Guilt stage. The child is learning how to venture out and be independent. If they are able to do this (not discouraged or restraint) the child will develop a sense of purpose and be able to go to the next stage, which is Industry vs. Inferiority.

2. When considering Erickson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development for a 3-year-old which action below would potentially hinder a child’s development?

A. Giving the child freedom to try new things

B. Offering options of play that are imaginary

C. Accepting reasonable choices made by the child

D. Making choices and decisions for the child

The answer is D. Children at this age need to be given opportunities to try new things and make their own choices. If not given opportunities to try new things or make choices on their own, the child will develop guilt and struggle with trying new things and being independent. In turn, the child will have trouble developing a sense of purpose. Therefore, the parent should avoid trying to control or make choices or decisions for the child.

3. A preschooler is in what stage of development according to Piaget’s Theory?

A. Preoperational

B. Concrete operational

C. Formal operational

D. Sensorimotor

The answer is A. A preschooler is in the preoperational stage of cognitive development. This stage includes children 2-7 years.

4. Which statement below is TRUE regarding a 5-year-old’s cognitive development based on Piaget’s Theory?

A. “The goal of this stage is to achieve the understanding of object permanence.”

B. “This child now has the ability to think logically about events.”

C. “This child’s thinking is still egocentric and they can’t understand the point of views of others.”

D. “This child has the ability to create hypothetical arguments.”

The answer is C. Option A is a description of a child that is birth to 2 years (sensorimotor stage). Option B is a description of a child that is 7-11 years (concrete operational). Option D is a child that is 11 years and beyond (formal operational).

5. You’re assessing the development of a 5-year-old. Which of the following are FINE motor skills a child should be able to perform at this age? Select-all-that-apply:

A. Ride a tricycle

B. Use blunt tip scissors

C. Hop

D. Skip

E. Copy triangles and circles

F. Print their first name

The answers are: B, E, and F. This question wants to know the FINE motor skills. Fine motor skills are skills that require small muscles for holding and using objects (using scissors, copying shaped and writing etc.). The other options A, C, and D are GROSS motor skills.

6. A 3-year-old is hospitalized and the parent has to leave to care for other children but will be back to visit. What observation found in this preschooler would demonstrate the child is experiencing the protest phase of separation anxiety?

A. Loud crying that is inconsolable

B. Withdrawn and sullen

C. Crying quietly and acting out

D. Happy and content

The answer is C. Separation anxiety can still present in a preschooler. It usually starts to subside by 4-5 years. During the protest phase the preschooler is different than the toddler in that he or she will be crying quietly and may act out…the toddler will be loudly crying that is inconsolable. The preschooler will generally act the same as the toddler during the despair and detachment phase.

7. What is an example of animism in a 3-year-old child? Select the most appropriate option below:

A. The child leaves the T.V. on while she plays outside so her doll won’t become bored.

B. The child dresses up in a doctor outfit.

C. The child uses a stick as a sword to slay dragons.

D. The child copies her mother by putting on jewelry and high heels.

The answer is A. Animism is where the preschooler thinks inanimate objects (ex: toys) are living things and have feelings like they do.

8. You need to start an IV on a 4-year-old. Select the appropriate interventions to perform before starting the IV to help the preschooler cope with this procedure. Select-all-that-apply:

A. Let the child know that at 9:00 am you will be starting the IV.

B. Be honest with the child about what to expect with starting the IV.

C. Have a doll available that the child can start an IV on.

D. Give the child privacy and direct the parents to the waiting room while the IV is started.

E. Encourage and answer all the child’s questions before starting the IV.

The answers are B, C, and E. Option A is wrong because a preschooler does not understand time. It is best to give them a time frame like “we will start your IV after your eat breakfast” rather than a specific time. Option D is wrong because removing the parents from the room during the procedure may increase the child’s anxiety. It is best to have them present.

9. A 4-year-old is hospitalized for the treatment of a brain tumor. As the nurse you know that a preschooler would struggle with which of the following issues during the hospitalization?

A. Separation anxiety

B. Loss of control

C. Loss of relationship with peers

D. Negativism

The answer is B. The child is at risk for experiencing loss of control. Loss of control can occur when the preschooler is hospitalized or sick because the child is restricted in the normal things they usually do (dress, eat, play etc.) This can cause the child to regress, increase anxiety and fear, or act out.

10. You’re developing a plan of care for a 3-year-old that includes play activities. What type of play does a child participate in at this age?

A. Parallel

B. Cooperative

C. Associative

D. Solidary

The answer is C: Associative Play. With this type of play, children are playing/talking together in the sense they are doing the same activity together like using the same toys or use equipment but they aren’t working together to accomplish something but rather focusing on their own activities.

11. You see a group of children working together to build a sand castle. What type of play is this?

A. Parallel

B. Cooperative

C. Associative

D. Solidary

The answer is B: Cooperative. With this type of play, children play together doing the same activity by cooperating and collaborating together and have the same focus and goals…hence building a sand castle.

12. A parent verbalizes concern about her 3-year-old stammering while pronouncing words and asks for suggestions. Which statement by the nurse to the parent is NOT an appropriate intervention regarding the child’s stammering?

A. “When the child stammers help the child finish the word.”

B. “Encourage the child to take their time as they speak.”

C. “It is normal for a child to stammer during this time and should subside.”

D. “Be patient and listen attentively to the child as she speaks.”

The answer is A. Option A is not an appropriate intervention for a child who stammers because it can further complicate the issue. Stammer is normal during the preschool years due to the explosion of the vocabulary and should subside once the child becomes proficient with speaking. The other options are correct interventions.

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Your doctor and/or nurse will probably:

1. Check your child's weight, height, and head circumference and plot the measurements on a growth chart. Your doctor will also calculate and plot your child's body mass index (BMI).

2. Do a screening (test) that helps with the early identification of autism.

3. Ask questions, address concerns, and provide guidance about how your toddler is:

Eating. Don't be surprised if your toddler skips meals occasionally or loves something one day and won't touch it the next. Schedule 3 meals and 2–3 healthy snacks a day. You're in charge of the menu, but let your child be in charge of how much they eat.

Peeing and pooping. Most children are ready to begin potty training when they're 2–3 years old. You may notice signs that your child is ready to start potty training, such as:

showing interest in the toilet (watching a parent or sibling in the bathroom, sitting on potty chair)
staying dry for longer periods
pulling pants down and up with assistance
connecting feeling of having to go with peeing and pooping
communicating that diaper is wet or dirty

Sleeping. Generally 2-year-olds need about 11–14 hours of sleep a day, including naps.

Developing. By 2 years, most children:

put 2 words together to form a sentence ("More milk.")
use new gestures other than waving or pointing, like blowing a kiss
point to things in a book when asked to find them
point to at least 2 body parts
notice when others are hurt or upset
try to use switches, knobs, or buttons
play with more than 1 toy at a time, like putting toy food on a toy plate
run and kick a ball
walk (not climb) up a few stairs with or without help

Talk to your doctor if your toddler is not meeting one or more milestones, or you notice that your toddler had skills but has lost them.

4. Do an exam with your child undressed while you are present. This will include an eye exam, tooth exam, listening to the heart and lungs, and paying attention to your toddler's motor skills, use of language, and behavior.

5. Update immunizations. Immunizations can protect kids from serious childhood illnesses, so it's important that your child get them on time. Immunization schedules can vary from office to office, so talk to your doctor about what to expect.

6. Order tests. Your doctor may order tests for lead, anemia, high cholesterol, and tuberculosis, if needed.

Looking Ahead

Here are some things to keep in mind until your child's next checkup at 30 months:

Feeding

Food "jags" are common during the toddler years. Even if your child seems to get stuck on one food, continue to offer a variety.
Let your child decide what to eat, and when they're full. Serve healthy snacks and avoid sugary drinks.
Switch to low-fat or nonfat milk, or a fortified, unsweetened soy beverage. Offer other dairy products, like yogurt, that are low-fat or nonfat.
Limit 100% juice to no more than 4 ounces (120 ml) a day.
Avoid foods that are high in sugar, salt, and fat and low in nutrients.
4. Avoid foods that may cause choking, such as hot dogs, whole grapes, raw veggies, nuts, and hard fruits or candy.

Learning

Toddlers learn by interacting with parents, caregivers, and their environment. Limit screen time (TV, computers, tablets, or other screens) to no more than 1–2 hours a day of quality children's programming. Watch with your child.
Have a safe play area and allow plenty of time for exploring and active play. Play often together.
Read to your child every day.

Routine Care & Safety

Let your child brush their teeth with your guidance. Twice a day, use a small amount of toothpaste (about the size of a pea) with a soft toothbrush. Go over any areas that may have been missed. If you haven't already, schedule a dentist visit. To help prevent cavities, the doctor or dentist may brush fluoride varnish on your child’s teeth 2–4 times a year.
Look for the signs that your child is ready to start potty training. If they don't show interest, it's OK to wait before trying again. A child who uses the potty and is accident-free during the day may still need a diaper at night.
Set reasonable and consistent rules. Use praise to encourage good behavior and be positive when redirecting unwanted behavior
Tantrums are common at this age, and tend to be worse when children are tired or hungry. Try to head off tantrums before they happen — find a distraction or remove your child from frustrating situations.
Don't spank your child. Children don't make the connection between spanking and the behavior you're trying to correct. You can use a brief time-out instead.
Keep your child in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the highest weight or height limit allowed by the seat's manufacturer. Previous advice was to turn kids around by age 2. Now, safety experts say to do this based on a child's size, not age. So, small children can stay rear-facing until age 3 or 4.
Watch closely when your child is playing outside and on playground equipment. Make sure your child always wears a helmet when riding a tricycle or is in a seat on an adult bicycle.
Protect your child from gun injuries by not keeping a gun in the home. If you do have a gun, keep it unloaded and locked away. Ammunition should be locked up separately. Make sure kids can't get to the keys.
Talk to your doctor if you're concerned about your living situation. Do you have the things that you need to take care of your child? Do you have enough food, a safe place to live, and health insurance? Your doctor can tell you about community resources or refer you to a social worker.