Child Life Exam Child Life Specialist 3

Question 1

A child life specialist observes a 4-year-old engaging in solitary play next to other children. Which developmental assessment is MOST accurate?

Accepted Answer

This is a normal play pattern for preschoolers transitioning to cooperative play

Answer

Solitary and parallel play are developmentally normal for preschoolers who are beginning to transition toward cooperative play.

Question 2

Which coping strategy is MOST effective for a school-age child undergoing a painful dressing change?

Accepted Answer

Distraction combined with age-appropriate procedural information

Answer

Combining distraction with accurate preparation provides both cognitive engagement and psychoeducational support during painful procedures.

Question 3

A teenager with a new diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes expresses anger and refuses to engage in diabetes education. The BEST child life response is to:

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the teen's feelings and provide space while offering ongoing support

Answer

Validating the adolescent's emotional response and maintaining a supportive presence builds trust and readiness to engage in coping and education.

Question 4

Which ethical principle guides a child life specialist to ensure a school-age child receives information about their own medical condition?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy and assent

Answer

Autonomy and assent principles support providing developmentally appropriate information so children can meaningfully participate in decisions about their care.

Question 5

A child life specialist is assessing a sibling of a hospitalized child. Which concern is MOST common for siblings?

Accepted Answer

Jealousy, fear, guilt, and feelings of abandonment

Answer

Siblings of hospitalized children frequently experience a complex mix of jealousy, fear of the illness spreading, guilt, and feeling left out by preoccupied parents.

Child Life Exam Practice Test

Child Life Exam Practice Test

Child Life Exam Child Life Specialist 3