CPT Health, Safety, and Nutrition 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A preschool teacher notices a child frequently squinting at the whiteboard and sitting very close to the television. What health concern should the teacher document and communicate to parents?
- Possible hearing impairment
- Possible vision problem (Correct answer)
- Fine motor development delay
- Sensory processing disorder
Correct answer: Possible vision problem
Squinting and moving close to visual stimuli are common signs of nearsightedness or other vision issues requiring professional evaluation.
Question 2: Which of the following foods poses the greatest choking risk for children under age 4?
- Cooked peas
- Whole grapes (Correct answer)
- Sliced bananas
- Soft cheese cubes
Correct answer: Whole grapes
Whole grapes are a leading choking hazard for young children due to their size, round shape, and smooth texture; they must be quartered before serving.
Question 3: When a child has head lice, which is the MOST appropriate course of action for the teacher?
- Immediately treat all children in the classroom with lice shampoo
- Notify the parents confidentially and follow the program's exclusion/return policy (Correct answer)
- Post a public notice in the classroom listing the affected child's name
- Send all children home for the day
Correct answer: Notify the parents confidentially and follow the program's exclusion/return policy
Head lice cases require confidential parent notification and adherence to program policy; mass treatment or public disclosure is inappropriate.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of conducting monthly fire drills in a preschool setting?
- To fulfill a state licensing requirement with no practical benefit
- To familiarize children and staff with evacuation routes so exits are practiced before an emergency (Correct answer)
- To test the fire alarm system for equipment maintenance
- To teach children about the dangers of fire as part of the curriculum
Correct answer: To familiarize children and staff with evacuation routes so exits are practiced before an emergency
Regular drills build muscle memory in both children and staff so evacuation can proceed quickly and calmly during an actual emergency.
Question 5: A teacher is preparing a snack that includes raw vegetables. Which food safety step is MOST important before serving?
- Soaking vegetables in warm water for 10 minutes
- Rinsing vegetables thoroughly under running water (Correct answer)
- Peeling all vegetables before serving
- Cooking all vegetables to an internal temperature of 165°F
Correct answer: Rinsing vegetables thoroughly under running water
Running water physically removes surface bacteria, pesticide residue, and soil from raw produce before it is served to children.
Question 6: Which nutrient is especially critical for preschoolers' bone development and should be consistently present in their daily diet?
- Sodium
- Calcium (Correct answer)
- Saturated fat
- Caffeine
Correct answer: Calcium
Calcium is essential for building strong bones and teeth during the preschool years when skeletal growth is rapid.
Question 7: A preschooler with asthma begins coughing persistently during outdoor play on a high air-quality alert day. What is the BEST preventive strategy the teacher should have implemented?
- Kept the child indoors during outdoor time on poor air quality days as noted in her health plan (Correct answer)
- Applied sunscreen before going outside to protect the child's airways
- Given the child extra water to prevent coughing
- Had all children wear masks during outdoor play every day
Correct answer: Kept the child indoors during outdoor time on poor air quality days as noted in her health plan
Individual health plans for children with asthma should include guidance on limiting outdoor exposure on poor air quality days.
CPT Health, Safety, and Nutrition 3
A preschool teacher notices a child frequently squinting at the whiteboard and sitting very close to the television.
What health concern should the teacher document and communicate to parents?