Child Life Specialist Flashcards
7 cards from real Child Life Exam practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Child Life Specialist flashcards as text
A child life specialist is working in a pediatric oncology unit. Which type of play is MOST therapeutic for a 7-year-old during chemotherapy?
Answer: Medical play with real but safe equipment to process the experience
Medical play with safe equipment allows children to process their treatment experiences and regain a sense of mastery over their medical environment.
Which of the following BEST describes the concept of 'family-centered care' in child life practice?
Answer: Recognizing the family as the constant in the child's life and partnering with them in all aspects of care
Family-centered care recognizes the family as the primary constant in a child's life and involves them as full partners in care planning and delivery.
A child life specialist notes that a hospitalized adolescent has stopped eating, is withdrawing from family, and expresses hopelessness. The PRIORITY action is to:
Answer: Immediately consult with the mental health team and notify the medical team
Signs of withdrawal, hopelessness, and refusal to eat in an adolescent may indicate depression or suicidal ideation and require urgent mental health consultation.
Which statement about non-pharmacological pain management is TRUE?
Answer: It can reduce pain perception, anxiety, and distress across all pediatric ages
Evidence supports non-pharmacological interventions such as distraction, guided imagery, and breathing techniques in reducing pain, fear, and distress across pediatric ages.
A child life specialist is supporting a child whose parent is dying. Which response reflects BEST practice?
Answer: Provide honest, age-appropriate information and prepare the child for what to expect
Children cope better when given honest, developmentally appropriate information and preparation for anticipated loss rather than being shielded from reality.
During a multidisciplinary team meeting, the child life specialist's MOST important contribution is to:
Answer: Share the child's psychosocial needs, coping style, and developmental level to inform the care plan
Child life specialists contribute unique expertise in the child's developmental and psychosocial needs to guide the interdisciplinary care plan.
Which of the following is an example of a child life specialist engaging in professional advocacy?
Answer: Presenting outcome data on child life interventions at a hospital board meeting to justify program expansion
Presenting evidence-based outcomes to hospital leadership advocates for program resources and demonstrates the value of child life services to the institution.