A nurse is offering anticipatory guidance on child development to the parents of a toddler. Which developmental task should the nurse mention as being expected of a toddler?
Explains the difference between right and wrong.
Cooperates in performing simple chores.
Prints letters and numbers.
Separates easily from primary caregiver for short periods of time.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is Choice D
Choice A rationale: Moral reasoning, including distinguishing right from wrong, requires abstract cognitive processing and internalization of social norms, typically emerging during the concrete operational stage around age 7. Toddlers are in Piaget’s sensorimotor to early preoperational phase, where egocentrism dominates and behavior is guided by immediate consequences rather than ethical principles. They lack the neurological maturity and social-cognitive integration required for moral discourse, making this milestone developmentally inappropriate for the toddler age group.
Choice B rationale: Performing simple chores involves task comprehension, motor coordination, and social cooperation, which are more consistently observed in preschool-aged children (4–5 years). Toddlers may imitate adult actions but lack sustained attention, impulse control, and fine motor precision needed for chore completion. Their psychosocial development is centered on autonomy and exploration, not structured responsibility. Expecting chore cooperation at this stage exceeds normative developmental expectations and may lead to frustration or behavioral resistance.
Choice C rationale: Printing letters and numbers requires advanced fine motor control, visual-motor integration, and symbolic cognition, typically achieved between ages 5 and 6. Toddlers are still developing basic hand-eye coordination and may engage in scribbling, but they lack the neuromuscular refinement and cognitive mapping needed for structured writing. Neurodevelopmental milestones do not support this skill in the toddler phase, making it scientifically inaccurate to expect printing behavior before preschool age.
Choice D rationale: By age 3, toddlers begin to tolerate brief separations from primary caregivers due to improved object permanence, emotional regulation, and social awareness. This aligns with Erikson’s autonomy vs. shame and doubt stage, where toddlers explore independence while maintaining secure attachment. Separation anxiety peaks around 9–18 months and typically declines by age 3. The ability to separate easily for short periods reflects healthy psychosocial development and is a scientifically appropriate expectation for toddlers.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["2"]
Explanation
Step 1: Determine the amount of medication needed. The order is for 20 mEq of potassium chloride. The available amount is 10 mEq/mL.
Step 2: Calculate the volume of medication to administer. Volume = Ordered dose ÷ Available concentration Volume = 20 mEq ÷ 10 mEq/mL = 2 mL So, the nurse should administer 2 mL of potassium chloride suspension.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Administering a bolus of IV fluids in this scenario addresses potential dehydration, which is crucial given the client’s dry mucous membranes and elevated blood glucose levels. The client’s symptoms—fatigue, blurred vision, dizziness, and headache—are consistent with possible hyperglycemia and dehydration. In diabetic patients, high blood glucose levels can lead to osmotic diuresis, causing excessive fluid loss and dehydration. The client's financial constraints have led to an inadequate supply of glucose strips and insulin, which exacerbates the risk of dehydration. The warm, dry skin and slightly dry mucous membranes observed further suggest a
state of dehydration. Administering IV fluids helps rehydrate the client and can improve overall symptoms by restoring fluid balance and supporting better glucose management.
Choice B rationale:
Administering insulin could be a necessary intervention for managing elevated blood glucose levels. However, given that the client’s primary issue appears to be dehydration rather than hyperglycemia alone, addressing hydration first with IV fluids is a more immediate priority. Insulin administration alone might not address the potential underlying dehydration and could lead to complications if fluid status is not corrected. Therefore, while insulin will eventually need to be adjusted (as indicated by the provider’s prescription to increase the glargine dose), it is secondary to the need for rehydration.
Choice C rationale:
Administering oxygen therapy at 2 L/min via nasal cannula is generally reserved for patients with respiratory distress or hypoxemia. The client’s respiratory rate and oxygen saturation are within normal limits, and there is no indication of respiratory distress or abnormal breath sounds. The symptoms described—fatigue, dizziness, and blurred vision—are more aligned with dehydration and hyperglycemia rather than a need for supplemental oxygen. Therefore, oxygen therapy is not the priority in this case.
Choice D rationale:
Placing the client on fall precautions and providing a bedside commode is important, particularly given the client's dizziness and anxiety about potential falls. However, fall precautions are more of a supportive measure rather than a direct intervention to address the immediate medical needs presented. The primary concern in this scenario is the client's dehydration and elevated blood glucose levels. While fall precautions are necessary for safety, they do not address the underlying issue of dehydration and its associated symptoms. The immediate priority should be to correct the fluid imbalance before implementing additional safety measures.
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