One of the concerns of the preschool period is adequate nutrition. What can the nurse say to give anticipatory guidance to parents?
Preschoolers are growing during this period and need to increase their caloric intake to 110 kcal/kg, for an average daily intake of 2200 calories.
There is some evidence that children self-regulate their caloric intake. If they eat less at one meal, they compensate at another meal or snack.
To monitor fat intake, dairy and meat should be limited to twice a day.
For children who do not like milk, consumption of fruit juices is a healthy alternative.
The Correct Answer is B
Preschoolers typically exhibit unpredictable eating patterns. It’s important for parents to understand that occasional variations in intake are normal, and healthy children often balance their nutritional needs over the course of a day or week.
Rationale for correct answer:
2. Research supports that preschoolers have an innate ability to self-regulate food intake when offered a variety of nutritious options. They may eat little at one meal and make up for it at another. This anticipatory guidance reassures parents and prevents unnecessary anxiety or pressure around eating.
Rationale for incorrect answers:
1. Preschoolers need about 90–100 kcal/kg/day, not 110 kcal/kg. The average total intake is closer to 1,200–1,800 calories/day, depending on age, size, and activity, not 2,200 calories, which is more appropriate for adolescents or very active older children.
3. While it is true that fat intake should be moderated, dairy and meat are important sources of protein, calcium, iron, and other nutrients. Limiting them to twice a day may undermine adequate nutritional intake unless replaced with high-quality alternatives. Instead, the focus should be on choosing lean meats and low-fat dairy rather than reducing frequency.
4. Fruit juice is not a healthy alternative to milk. Juice lacks the protein, fat, and calcium found in milk and is high in sugar. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting juice to 4–6 ounces per day for preschoolers, and water or calcium-fortified plant-based milks (e.g., almond or soy) may be better alternatives for children who dislike cow’s milk.
Take home points
- Preschoolers often self-regulate food intake and should not be forced to eat when not hungry.
- Parental anxiety about eating can lead to power struggles; offering a variety of healthy choices is more effective.
- Nutrient-dense foods are more important than calorie quantity, quality over quantity matters.
- Limit juice consumption and avoid using it as a milk substitute; consider other calcium-rich options if milk is refused.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Preschool and early school-age children often do not yet fully grasp the concept of clock time. They understand time better when it is related to familiar daily routines like lunch, snack time, or nap time.
Rationale for correct answer:
3. Linking the mother's arrival to a concrete, familiar routine such as lunch time, helps the child feel more secure and better understand the timing. This approach is developmentally appropriate for kindergarten-age children, who typically cannot yet tell time or interpret abstract time intervals.
Rationale for incorrect answers:
1. “In about a half hour” is too abstract for most 5-year-olds. They do not have a reliable sense of what "30 minutes" feels like.
2. “When both hands on the clock reach 12” assumes the child knows how to read an analog clock, which most kindergarteners cannot do yet.
4. “At 12 o’clock noon” uses formal clock language, which is generally not meaningful to children at this stage of development.
Take home points
- Young children understand time in relation to routines, not numbers on a clock.
- Nurses should provide concrete, relatable explanations to reduce anxiety and promote understanding.
- Developmentally appropriate communication builds trust and emotional comfort, especially when a child is sick or upset.
- Avoid using abstract time language like minutes or hours when talking to young children.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Preschool years are critical for cognitive, social, and emotional development. While creativity and play are important, certain misconceptions, especially about learning and developmentally appropriate behavior, require clarification and teaching from the nurse.
Rationale for correct answers:
1. Although some educational TV content can be beneficial in small doses, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting screen time for preschoolers to no more than 1 hour per day of high-quality programming. Passive watching, even of educational programs, can reduce time spent in active, imaginative, or social play, which is more developmentally enriching.
3. Imaginary friends are a normal and healthy part of preschool development. They serve various purposes, such as practicing social roles, expressing feelings, and coping with fears. Discouraging or dismissing this behavior may interfere with emotional development or creativity.
5. While formal academics should not be pushed aggressively, preschoolers are naturally curious and ready for age-appropriate early literacy and numeracy. Using flash cards in a playful, engaging manner can support pre-academic skills and should not be entirely dismissed. This response reflects a missed opportunity for developmentally appropriate learning.
Rationale for incorrect answers:
2. Playing dress-up is an important part of preschool play, supporting creativity, social development, and gender exploration. It is perfectly normal and healthy for boys to engage in pretend play alongside girls. No additional teaching is needed here.
4. The parent’s statement reflects an appropriate understanding of the importance of parent-child interaction and play in early childhood. Unstructured playtime with a parent promotes bonding, emotional regulation, and social skills.
Take home points
- Imaginary play and creativity are essential parts of preschool development and should be supported, not discouraged.
- Screen time should be limited, and interactive, imaginative play should be prioritized.
- Early exposure to learning tools like flash cards can be beneficial if used in a playful, pressure-free way.
- Nurses should guide parents on recognizing developmentally appropriate behaviors and encourage balanced support for learning, play, and creativity.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
