A parent telephones the nurse in the primary health-care provider’s office and states, “My 4½-year-old child was screaming and kicking in her sleep. She really scared me, but by the time I got into her bedroom, she seemed to be quiet again. What should I do if that happens again?” Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?

“The best way to stop night terrors is to have your child talk about her fears during the day.”

“The best way to deal with nightmares is to keep a night light lit in your child’s room all night.”

“Night terrors usually go away on their own just like your daughter’s did. It is best not to awaken the child.”

“Nightmares are very common in children your daughter’s age. Next time wake her up, and tell her that she is safe.”

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Night terrors are a type of sleep disturbance common in preschool-aged children, usually occurring in the first few hours of sleep during deep (non-REM) stages. Unlike nightmares, the child is not fully awake and typically does not remember the event. The best approach is to let the episode pass without waking the child, while ensuring the environment is safe.

Rationale for correct answer:

3. Night terrors are self-limiting and usually resolve as the child matures. Waking the child during a night terror can be confusing or distressing and may prolong the episode. Offering reassurance afterward, if the child does wake up, is appropriate. Otherwise, observe quietly and ensure safety.

Rationale for incorrect answers:

1. Talking about fears during the day is more helpful for nightmares, not night terrors. Night terrors are not typically linked to daytime anxiety or specific fears, and the child does not remember the episode, so discussing it may be unhelpful.

2. A night light may help children afraid of the dark or experiencing nightmares, but it does not prevent night terrors, which occur during non-REM sleep and are not related to external stimuli like lighting.

4. Waking the child up and telling them they are safe is suited for nightmares, not night terrors. In a nightmare, the child wakes up and seeks comfort. In a night terror, the child appears awake but is actually in a deep sleep and will often not recognize or respond to others.

Take home points

Night terrors are common in preschoolers and usually go away without intervention.
During a night terror, the child is not fully awake and typically doesn’t recall the event.
Do not try to wake the child; instead, observe, ensure safety, and allow the episode to pass.
Distinguish between nightmares where the child wakes and remembers the dream, and night terrors where the child remains asleep and is unaware.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Sleep hygiene includes routines, behaviors, and environmental conditions that support consistent, high-quality sleep. For preschoolers, ages 3–5, the goal is to help them get 10–13 hours of sleep per 24 hours, including naps.

Rationale for correct answer:

3. Preschoolers thrive on consistency and routine. A predictable sequence, such as taking a bath, brushing teeth, reading a story, and then going to bed, helps signal to the child that it’s time to wind down. Over time, this ritual becomes a behavioral cue that prepares the body and mind for sleep.

Rationale for incorrect answers:

1. Offering a present or material reward can undermine intrinsic motivation and does not address the root cause of bedtime resistance. It may also promote a pattern where the child expects a reward for basic routines.

2. Playing a running game before bedtime is stimulating, not calming. Physical activity close to bedtime increases alertness and adrenaline, making it harder for the child to settle down and fall asleep.

4. Allowing late weekend bedtimes disrupts the child’s internal sleep-wake rhythm and makes weekday bedtime more difficult. Sleep routines should be consistent across all days to maintain healthy patterns.

Take home points

Establishing a consistent, calming bedtime routine is the most effective strategy for preschoolers with sleep difficulties.
Avoid stimulating activities before bed, opt for quiet time, stories, or gentle music instead.
Material rewards should not be the basis for sleep compliance; focus on nurturing habits, not transactional behavior.
Consistency is key, routine sleep and wake times help regulate the child's biological clock and improve overall behavior and mood.

A. Have the child keep a diary of his or her feelings. B. Read a fairy tale about scary adventures to the child. C. Ask the mother to interpret the child’s feelings. D. Interact with the child through nurse and patient puppets.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Preschoolers communicate best through play, storytelling, and symbolic expression, not through direct verbal explanation. Puppetry is a developmentally appropriate technique that allows the child to express feelings and fears indirectly and safely.

Rationale for correct answer:

4. Using puppets enables non-threatening, imaginative communication, which is ideal for 5-year-olds. It helps the child express thoughts and emotions while feeling safe and engaged. The puppets can also model procedures or hospital routines, promoting understanding and emotional processing.

Rationale for incorrect answers:

1. Keeping a diary is not appropriate for a 5-year-old, who is likely still learning basic writing skills. At this age, children express themselves better through non-written forms such as drawing, play, and verbal storytelling.

2. Reading a fairy tale about scary adventures could intensify anxiety, especially in a hospitalized child. Preschoolers may interpret fiction as reality and internalize frightening stories, worsening their fears.

3. While parental insight is helpful, relying solely on the mother to interpret the child’s emotions does not build communication between the nurse and child. Direct interaction with the child, using developmentally appropriate methods, is crucial for trust and rapport.

Take home points

Play-based communication, such as puppetry, is highly effective for preschoolers.
Avoid techniques that are too advanced such as diaries or emotionally confusing such as scary stories.
Nurses should aim to connect with the child directly, using imaginative and familiar tools.
Understanding a child’s cognitive and emotional stage enhances therapeutic communication and reduces anxiety in the healthcare setting.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A mother tells the nurse that it is difficult to get her 4-year-old child to bed at night. Which of the following should the nurse suggest that the mother do?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is having difficulty communicating with a hospitalized 5-year-old child. Which of the following techniques is appropriate for the nurse to use to improve communication?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

At an appointment at the pediatrician’s office, a patient’s mother states, “My son gets rough with some of the neighborhood kids. I am worried that he is becoming a bully.” Which statements by the mother need more teaching? Select all that apply

One of the concerns of the preschool period is adequate nutrition. What can the nurse say to give anticipatory guidance to parents?

The nurse is giving a 5-year-old child a vaccine injection. The child cries loudly during the procedure. Which of the following interventions would be appropriate for the nurse to perform after the injection?

At the clinic appointment, a 4-year-old’s mother wants to discuss several concerns. Which statements require more teaching by the nurse? Select all that apply

The nurse caring for a preschool child understands which of the following developmental concepts? Select all that apply

A nurse is planning to use the Denver Articulation Screening Examination (DASE) for a 4-year-old child. To properly use the DASE, the nurse should plan to ask the child to: