Child Life Flashcards

A 6-year-old boy who must endure painful injections every day cries and fights when his mother is around but is placid by himself. During the injection, the mother becomes very distressed and constantly exclaims, "I'm so sorry, this hurts so much," before breaking down in tears. Which of the following interventions is MOST appropriate?

Answer: Counsel the mother on methods to reduce her own and the child's stress

A child's coping is significantly influenced by their parents' reactions and anxiety levels. The mother's distress is likely exacerbating the child's pain and fear, making the injections more difficult. Counseling the mother on strategies to manage her own stress and support her child's coping would be the most effective intervention to improve the situation for both of them.

A 4-year-old girl is learning to write the alphabet, but she occasionally writes some letters backwards, such as a capital B or D, and she sometimes has trouble telling other letters apart, such as a capital M and W. Which of the following best answers the question?

Answer: "You're learning a lot of letters!"

At four years old, children are still developing fine motor skills and letter recognition, so occasional reversals or confusions are normal. Praising the child's effort and progress, such as 'You're learning a lot of letters!', provides positive reinforcement and encourages continued learning without focusing on errors. This approach supports their self-esteem and motivation.

A 5-year-old will have surgery to have an umbilical hernia repaired. The child should be prepared for everything except the following, which should NOT be included:

Answer: A detailed explanation of the surgery

For a 5-year-old, preparation should be concrete, simple, and focused on what they will see, hear, feel, and smell, using age-appropriate language and tools like dolls. A detailed explanation of the surgery itself is too abstract and complex for this age group, potentially causing more anxiety and confusion rather than understanding. The goal is to reduce fear and promote coping, not to provide a medical lecture.

The only foods a 4-year-old hospitalized for cancer treatment will consume are bananas, milkshakes, spaghetti, and hot dogs. Which method among the following is ideal?

Answer: Fortify these foods when possible and allow the child to eat what the child likes

For a child undergoing cancer treatment, maintaining adequate nutrition and caloric intake is paramount, especially if they have a limited appetite or specific food preferences. Forcing a balanced diet can lead to power struggles and further reduce intake. Fortifying preferred foods and allowing the child to eat what they like ensures they receive necessary nutrients and energy, supporting their recovery and well-being.

Type-2 diabetes has been discovered in an obese 15-year-old girl; she needs to modify her diet and shed some pounds. Her siblings are 12 and 13 years old. Which of the following strategies has the HIGHEST CHANCE of succeeding?

Answer: Changing eating habits for the entire family

Adolescents are highly influenced by their family environment and often resist individual interventions if the rest of the family's habits remain unchanged. Implementing healthy eating habits for the entire family creates a supportive environment, normalizes the changes, and increases the likelihood of the teenager adopting and maintaining a healthier lifestyle. This family-centered approach is more sustainable than isolating the teenager for treatment.

Which of the following is the FIRST step in fixing a problem?

Answer: Define the issue

The first step in any problem-solving process is to clearly and accurately define the issue at hand. Without a precise understanding of the problem, subsequent steps like collecting data, considering reasons, or making decisions will be misdirected or ineffective. Defining the issue ensures that efforts are focused on the actual challenge.

Which of the following describes a youngster who seeks out information about a difficult occurrence and stays attentive to it?

Answer: Vigilant coping

Vigilant coping describes a style where an individual actively seeks out information and remains attentive to a stressful or difficult situation. This contrasts with avoidant coping, where individuals try to ignore or distract themselves from the stressor. A vigilant coper wants to understand and be prepared for what is happening.