A nurse observes a toddler playing in a pediatric unit.
Which behavior demonstrates parallel play?
Watching another child play without joining in.
Sharing crayons and coloring on the same paper.
Playing with a toy beside another child who is coloring.
Pretending to cook together with another child.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Watching another child play without joining in is known as onlooker play, which is common in younger toddlers or children entering a new environment. While the child is observing social interactions, they are not actively engaging with toys or peers. This stage precedes parallel play and reflects the child's interest in others without the developmental readiness to participate. It is a normal part of social development but does not involve side-by-side activity.
Choice B rationale
Sharing crayons and coloring on the same paper is characteristic of associative play, where children interact and share materials without a rigid structure. This type of play typically emerges in the preschool years as children develop better social skills and the ability to cooperate. Toddlers generally lack the social maturity to share a single task or material effectively. Parallel play differs because it involves independent activity rather than the shared use of specific items.
Choice C rationale
Playing with a toy beside another child who is coloring is the definition of parallel play, which is the hallmark of toddlerhood. During this stage, children enjoy the company of peers and play in the same area but do not interact or work toward a common goal. This behavior reflects the toddler's developing independence and limited social-emotional capacity to negotiate complex interactions. It provides a sense of security and social presence without the demand for cooperation.
Choice D rationale
Pretending to cook together with another child represents cooperative play, which involves a high level of interaction, shared goals, and assigned roles. This is the most advanced stage of play and is usually seen in older preschool and school-aged children. Toddlers are still focused on their own activities and have not yet mastered the communication skills required for organized role-playing. Parallel play is much simpler and does not involve the mutual coordination seen here.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Decisions based on self-interest are characteristic of the preconventional level, specifically the first two stages where individuals focus on direct consequences to themselves. At this level, morality is external and individuals seek to avoid punishment or gain concrete rewards. This stage lacks the social or ethical complexity found in the postconventional level, as the individual has not yet internalized the broader values of society or the universal principles of justice and human rights.
Choice B rationale
Following rules to maintain social order is the hallmark of the conventional level, particularly stage four. In this phase, individuals believe that laws and social systems are necessary to maintain a functioning society and that it is their duty to uphold them. While this shows an awareness of others, it differs from the postconventional level because the individual accepts existing laws as absolute rather than evaluating them based on higher ethical standards or human rights.
Choice C rationale
The postconventional level involves an individual moving beyond social or legal expectations to follow internal ethical principles and universal justice. At this stage, a person recognizes that laws are generally useful but can be unjust, leading them to follow their conscience even if it conflicts with societal norms. This level of moral reasoning is based on abstract reasoning and a commitment to principles like equality, dignity, and respect for all life, regardless of social consensus.
Choice D rationale
Engaging in behavior aimed at earning benefits or rewards is another aspect of the preconventional level, specifically the instrumental relativist orientation. The individual views right action as that which satisfies their own needs and occasionally the needs of others in a reciprocal way. This is a very pragmatic and self-centered approach to morality that does not involve the complex ethical frameworks or the pursuit of universal truths that define the advanced postconventional stage of development.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Physical activity is vital for the health of elderly clients but is not represented by the letter P in the SPICES assessment tool. The SPICES framework is specifically designed to identify common geriatric syndromes that require targeted nursing interventions. Physical activity level is often assessed separately using functional scales rather than this specific mnemonic. Promoting mobility remains a general nursing goal but does not fit the diagnostic criteria of SPICES.
Choice B rationale
Pressure injuries are a significant risk for older adults with limited mobility but are represented by the letter S for skin breakdown in the SPICES tool. Using P for pressure injuries would be redundant within the mnemonic. While skin integrity is a priority, the letter P is reserved for a different physiological need related to nutrition and oral intake. Nurses must ensure they use each letter of the mnemonic to screen for distinct geriatric issues.
Choice C rationale
Problems with eating represent the P in the SPICES tool, focusing on nutritional status and the ability to consume adequate calories. Malnutrition and dehydration are common in older adults due to dental issues, dysphagia, or cognitive decline. SPICES stands for Sleep disorders, Problems with eating, Incontinence, Confusion, Evidence of falls, and Skin breakdown. This assessment helps nurses identify early signs of decline and implement nutritional support to prevent further physical deterioration.
Choice D rationale
Pain management is a critical component of geriatric care but is not the specific focus of the P in the SPICES mnemonic. Although pain can interfere with sleep and mobility, it is assessed using separate pain scales rather than this particular screening tool. The tool focuses on specific syndromes that often go unnoticed during standard assessments. Pain is considered a vital sign and is monitored independently of the geriatric syndromes listed in the SPICES framework.
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