Pre-Test 1 and 2: Introduction to Special Questions Based on Official NCLEX-RN[®]
1. The parents of a 2-year-old child ask a nurse how to best manage their child's temper tantrums. What advice should the nurse give the parents?
Pre-Test 1 and 2: Introduction to Special Questions Based on Official NCLEX-RN[®]
1. The parents of a 2-year-old child ask a nurse how to best manage their child's temper tantrums. What advice should the nurse give the parents?
. The frequency of tantrums can be reduced with a low-sugar diet.
. Tantrums may be prevented by alerting the child in advance about a change in activities.
. If the child has a tantrum, it is best to hold the child until he/she is calmed.
. Spanking is an effective way to eliminate tantrums.
Test-Taking Tip
The key word to the best answer is "prevent." Recall that the toddler needs to be autonomous. By providing the child with information about coming activities, the child will feel more in control and will be less likely to become frustrated.
Content Area: Child Health, Growth and Development; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Implementation; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Health Promotion and Maintenance/Developmental Stages and Transitions
Pre-Test 1 and 2: Introduction to Special Questions Based on Official NCLEX-RN[®]
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Answer 1 is incorrect because tantrums are related to the child's developmental stage, not his/her diet. Answer 2 is correct because toddlers may have temper tantrums to express their frustration. Sudden changes in activities should be avoided, and the toddler should be given forewarning about what is coming next. Answer 3 is incorrect because tantrums should be ignored. By holding the child, the parents will be providing reinforcement of the tantrum behavior. Answer 4 is incorrect because even negative reinforcement can reinforce the tantrum behavior. Additionally, spanking should be avoided and it is inappropriate for the nurse to recommend corporal punishment as a behavior modification technique.