Childcare Health, Safety & Nutrition 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, infants should be placed on their back for sleep to reduce the risk of:
- Choking
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) (Correct answer)
- Hip dysplasia
- Flat head syndrome
Correct answer: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
The 'Back to Sleep' campaign recommends placing infants on their backs to significantly reduce the risk of SIDS.
Question 2: Which of the following is the correct ratio for infant care in a US licensed childcare center (most states)?
- 1 adult to 2 infants
- 1 adult to 4 infants (Correct answer)
- 1 adult to 6 infants
- 1 adult to 8 infants
Correct answer: 1 adult to 4 infants
Most US states require a 1:4 adult-to-infant ratio for infants under 12 months in licensed childcare settings.
Question 3: When a child has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, the childcare provider should:
- Give the child ibuprofen and continue care
- Isolate the child and notify parents for pickup (Correct answer)
- Allow the child to nap and reassess in 2 hours
- Continue activities as normal unless fever exceeds 103°F
Correct answer: Isolate the child and notify parents for pickup
Standard childcare illness policy requires excluding a child with a fever of 100.4°F or higher and notifying parents immediately.
Question 4: The recommended hand-washing duration to effectively remove germs in a childcare setting is:
- 5 seconds
- 10 seconds
- 20 seconds (Correct answer)
- 60 seconds
Correct answer: 20 seconds
The CDC recommends scrubbing hands for at least 20 seconds (about the time to sing 'Happy Birthday' twice) to effectively eliminate germs.
Question 5: Which food is a known choking hazard for children under 4 years old?
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Whole grapes (Correct answer)
- Cooked pasta
- Soft bread
Correct answer: Whole grapes
Whole grapes are a leading choking hazard for young children and should always be cut in half lengthwise before serving.
Question 6: Universal precautions in a childcare setting means:
- Treating all bodily fluids as potentially infectious regardless of the child's known health status (Correct answer)
- Only wearing gloves when a child has a known illness
- Washing hands only after diaper changes
- Avoiding all contact with sick children
Correct answer: Treating all bodily fluids as potentially infectious regardless of the child's known health status
Universal precautions require treating all blood and bodily fluids as potentially infectious to protect both children and caregivers.
Childcare Health, Safety & Nutrition 1
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, infants should be placed on their back for sleep to reduce the risk of: