For a 2-year-old girl with thumb sucking behavior, what is the best response?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In dealing with a 2-year-old girl exhibiting thumb-sucking behavior, the best response is to choose option B) Ignore the behavior. This is the correct answer because thumb-sucking is a common self-soothing behavior in young children and typically resolves on its own without intervention. Ignoring the behavior helps prevent giving it unnecessary attention or reinforcing it as a means of seeking attention. It is important to understand that most children outgrow thumb-sucking naturally as they mature and develop other coping mechanisms. Option A) Reassurance to the mother may not be the best response as it does not address the behavior directly and may inadvertently make the mother more anxious about the behavior. Option C) Using bitter ointments is not recommended for young children as it can be unpleasant, and there is no need for negative reinforcement in this situation. Option D) Encouraging resolution may put unnecessary pressure on the child and could potentially cause more anxiety around the behavior. In an educational context, understanding normal developmental behaviors in children is crucial for pediatric nurses. By choosing the appropriate response to behaviors like thumb-sucking, nurses can support healthy development and provide guidance to parents without unnecessary intervention. It is important to educate parents about typical behaviors and when intervention may be needed, promoting a holistic approach to pediatric care.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the most appropriate next action for a 24-month-old child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is to conduct a lead level test, which is option C. Lead exposure can have harmful effects on a child's development, including behavioral issues that can overlap with symptoms of ASD. Therefore, it is crucial to rule out lead exposure as a potential contributing factor to the child's presentation. Option A, physical examination, may not directly address the underlying cause of the child's symptoms related to ASD. Option B, hearing tests, are important but may not be the priority in this case unless there are specific concerns related to hearing. Option D, Woods lamp, is used to assess certain skin conditions and is not relevant to the child's diagnosis of ASD. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind the choice of diagnostic tests is crucial for pediatric nurses. It helps in developing critical thinking skills and ensures appropriate and evidence-based care for pediatric patients, especially those with developmental disorders like ASD. By prioritizing the lead level test in this case, nurses can contribute to a comprehensive assessment and management plan for children with ASD.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding stereotypic movements is crucial for assessing and caring for children with developmental or neurological conditions. The correct answer is D) head banging because it is a recognized stereotypic movement, commonly seen in conditions like autism spectrum disorder. Head banging serves as a self-soothing or self-stimulatory behavior. Option A) hand shaking is a recognized stereotypic movement seen in conditions like cerebral palsy. Option B) eye blinking is a common stereotypic movement observed in individuals with Tourette syndrome. Option C) body rocking is another recognized stereotypic movement often seen in children with autism spectrum disorder or sensory processing disorders. Educationally, knowing these stereotypic movements helps nurses in early recognition of potential developmental or neurological issues in children. Recognizing and understanding these movements allows for appropriate interventions and support to be provided to improve the child's quality of life and overall well-being.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) it indicates a potential for future lying behavior. This is because lying in young children aged 3 is developmentally appropriate and is often linked to their cognitive and social development. At this age, children are still learning about reality versus fantasy, and their grasp of truth and falsehood is not fully formed. Option A) it is a method of playing with the language is incorrect because young children often engage in imaginative play and storytelling, which can include elements of make-believe without the intention to deceive. Option B) it is a part of their magical thinking is also incorrect as children at this age are still in the stage of magical thinking where they may blur the lines between reality and fantasy, leading to storytelling that may not always align with the truth. Option D) it is an approach to avoid unwanted confrontation with adults is incorrect because young children may lie to avoid punishment or disapproval, but it is more about self-preservation and not necessarily an indication of future lying behavior. In an educational context, it is crucial for parents and caregivers to understand the developmental stages of children to differentiate between normal behaviors and potential concerns. By recognizing that lying in young children is often a temporary phase tied to their cognitive growth, adults can respond with patience, guidance, and age-appropriate discipline strategies to help children navigate this stage successfully.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Routine screening for autistic spectrum disorders is an essential component of pediatric healthcare to ensure early detection and intervention. The correct answer, option C - 18 and 24 months, aligns with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendation for autism screening at 18 and 24 months of age. This timing is crucial because early identification of autism allows for prompt intervention and support, which can significantly improve outcomes for children with autism. Option A, screening at 6 and 12 months, is too early for accurate detection of autism as symptoms may not be fully developed or apparent at such a young age. Option B, screening at 12 and 18 months, misses the critical window recommended by the AAP for early detection. Option D, screening at 24 and 30 months, delays the screening process, potentially missing opportunities for early intervention and support. In an educational context, it is important for healthcare professionals working in pediatric settings to be aware of the recommended screening guidelines for autism. By understanding the rationale behind the timing of these screenings, healthcare providers can advocate for and implement early screening practices that benefit the children under their care. Regular updates on screening guidelines and best practices are essential for healthcare professionals to provide quality care to pediatric patients.