Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 89%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a preschooler who is in an acute care facility. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct answer
Encouraging play with toys like a pounding board reduces anxiety. New routines, medical jargon, or assessments without parents may increase distress.
Rationale
Correct Answer: Encouraging the child to play with toys like a pounding board is the best action for the nurse to take. This is because playing with toys can help reduce the preschooler's anxiety and provide a sense of normalcy in an unfamiliar environment. Play is essential for young children's development and can be a source of comfort during stressful situations. This approach promotes a child-friendly environment and supports the child's emotional well-being. In contrast, establishing a new routine may add stress, using medical terminology may confuse the child, and performing assessments without the parent's presence can heighten anxiety. Therefore, encouraging play with toys is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take in this scenario.