In terms of social development, the school-age child does which of the following? Select all that apply
Begins to explore the environment beyond the family
Has an increased interest in persons of the opposite sex (gender)
May actively participate in same-sex groups or clubs
Strives to be different from those in the peer group
Begins to form strong relationships with persons of the same sex (gender)
Correct Answer : A,C,E
Social development in the school-age child (ages 6–12) is marked by a shift from family-focused relationships to increasing interest in peer groups and the outside world. Children at this stage seek approval from peers, form friendships often with those of the same gender, and begin to value group norms, fairness, and belonging. Peer groups play a critical role in developing identity, self-esteem, and social skills.
Rationale for correct answers:
1. School-age children begin to develop relationships with teachers, classmates, and community members. They become more independent, socially curious, and eager to explore beyond the immediate family unit.
3. At this age, children tend to form same-gender peer groups, such as sports teams or clubs. This is a developmentally normal way to explore identity and friendship within a comfortable social framework.
5. Friendships during this period are often close and emotionally significant, commonly formed between children of the same gender. These relationships support emotional development, communication skills, and empathy.
Rationale for incorrect answers:
2. Interest in the opposite sex typically becomes more apparent during adolescence, not in early or middle childhood. School-age children often show a preference for same-gender interactions and may even view the opposite gender with disinterest or aversion.
4. School-age children usually strive to fit in with peers, not to stand out. They often conform to group norms to gain acceptance and avoid rejection. Standing out may cause discomfort or anxiety during this stage.
Take home points
- Peer relationships are central to the social development of school-age children.
- Children often prefer same-sex friends and clubs, helping to form a sense of belonging and identity.
- School-age children value group approval and tend to conform to group norms.
- Nurses and educators should encourage positive peer interaction and support the development of healthy friendships during this critical stage.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
School-age children may report physical symptoms such as headache, stomachache that occur regularly in the absence of clinical findings. These can be a manifestation of emotional distress, such as school phobia, bullying, separation anxiety, or academic pressure.
Rationale for correct answers:
1. “Has your child ever expressed any concerns about school?” This helps assess for school-related anxiety, fear of failure, teacher conflict, or social challenges, which may manifest as somatic complaints.
2. “Does your child seem to feel better once your child has missed school?” This question screens for school avoidance behavior, where symptoms improve when the stressor is removed such as staying home.
3. “Has your child had any problems with any of the other children in school?” Bullying or peer conflicts are common triggers of psychosomatic symptoms in school-age children.
4. “I would recommend taking your child to the child’s primary health-care provider for a complete assessment.” Always rule out organic causes first before attributing symptoms to emotional or psychological issues.
Rationale for incorrect answer:
5. “Unless your child is exhibiting additional symptoms like a fever or a rash, I would recommend that the child return to school.” Although a fever or rash could indicate illness, the pattern of recurring complaints without proper evaluation warrants further investigation. Dismissing the symptoms could delay addressing underlying causes such as anxiety or bullying.
Take home points
- Somatic complaints in children may reflect underlying emotional distress, especially when no physical illness is found.
- Ask open-ended questions to explore potential school-related issues such as bullying or anxiety.
- Always recommend a medical evaluation first to rule out physical illness before considering psychosocial causes.
- Avoid dismissing symptoms as trivial without a thorough assessment.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Injury prevention and disease prevention are both important components of well-child care. Nurses must assess behaviors that could lead to cumulative health risks, such as sun exposure, and provide anticipatory guidance to promote long-term wellness. Proper protective behaviors reduce risk for both accidental injuries and preventable diseases such as skin cancer.
Rationale for correct answer:
1. Applying sunscreen every 4 hours is inadequate protection during prolonged sun exposure. The child and parents should be educated on applying broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen at least every 2 hours and after water exposure. Early education supports lifelong skin health and reduces the risk of melanoma and sun damage.
Rationale for incorrect answers:
2. Sitting in the backseat in a car restraint system is an appropriate safety measure for an 11-year-old and does not indicate the need for additional education at this time.
3. Wearing proper body and head protection while rollerblading is a positive safety behavior, indicating that no immediate safety intervention is necessary.
4. Using 2 oven mitts and being assisted by a parent during oven use demonstrates adequate supervision and precaution, which is developmentally appropriate and safe.
Take home points
- Disease prevention education should be provided when current practices are insufficient or incomplete, even if partially protective.
- Sun safety is a key area of education during well-child visits due to the cumulative effects of UV exposure.
- Reinforce protective behaviors (helmets, seat belts, adult supervision) and correct any gaps in disease prevention practices.
- Nurses should use well-child visits to guide families toward evidence-based safety and prevention behaviors.
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