Test-Taking Tip

To select the best roommate for a pediatric client, first eliminate the children who do not share developmental needs. Next, eliminate those who are potentially infectious to the child in question. Finally, match the child with a roommate who has similar care needs.

Content Area: Child Health, Hospitalization; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Planning; Cognitive Level: Analysis; Client Need/Subneed: Safe and Effective Care Environment/Management of Care/Concepts of Management

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Health Promotion and Maintenance

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Answer 1 is incorrect because, although this child is likely to have mobility problems, pairing a teenager with a 9-year-old may be problematic as they may not share similar interests. Answer 2 is correct because this child is close in age and development and is likely to be immobilized in the injured leg due to a cast and/or traction. Since the child with myelodysplasia is likely to have impaired mobility in the infected foot or even complete paralysis of both lower extremities, these children share similar limitations and the nursing staff can encourage them to play video games or participate in suitable activities. Answer 3 is incorrect because, although the child is in the same age range, the physical needs are not alike. The child status post-appendectomy may be NPO and have a nasogastric tube for a few days but will then be prodded to ambulate and increase activity. Neither of these situations matches well with the child with myelodysplasia. Answer 4 is incorrect because a child with bacterial meningitis is contagious until after 24 hours of antibiotic therapy. Also, a 6-year-old child is not the best playmate for a 9-year-old child.

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