Child Life Therapeutic Play Interventions Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 7-year-old child is hospitalized for a tonsillectomy.
The child appears withdrawn, is having trouble sleeping, and tells the nurse, 'I'm scared of the doctors.' Which therapeutic play intervention would be most appropriate for the Child Life Specialist to use first?

Accepted Answer

Using a doll and medical equipment to act out the hospital experience.

Answer

Engaging the child in a board game with a volunteer.

Answer

Providing the child with a tablet for video games.

Answer

Reading a story to the child about an unrelated topic.

Question 2

What is the primary goal of therapeutic play in a pediatric healthcare setting?

Accepted Answer

To facilitate coping and emotional expression.

Answer

To ensure the child remains entertained and occupied.

Answer

To accelerate the child's physical recovery process.

Answer

To assess the child's cognitive development level.

Question 3

Which of the following is the best example of a therapeutic play intervention designed to promote a sense of control for a school-aged child?

Accepted Answer

Having the child decorate their IV pole with stickers and ribbons.

Answer

Allowing the child to choose their own meal from the hospital menu.

Answer

Watching a movie of the child's choice in the playroom.

Answer

Arranging a visit from a therapy dog.

Question 4

A Child Life Specialist is working with a 5-year-old who is non-verbal and recovering from a painful procedure. The child is tearful and refusing to interact. To help the child express their feelings, the specialist might use:

Accepted Answer

Expressive art activities, such as painting with different colors.

Answer

Storytelling with a happy ending.

Answer

Developmentally appropriate recreational play with blocks.

Answer

Structured board games with clear rules.

Question 5

Therapeutic play is distinct from diversional or recreational play primarily because it:

Accepted Answer

Has a specific goal related to coping and emotional support.

Answer

Is always led by a certified therapist.

Answer

Uses only medical themes and equipment.

Answer

Is spontaneous and unstructured.

Question 6

A 10-year-old with cystic fibrosis is frequently hospitalized and expresses frustration about their treatment regimen. A Child Life Specialist wants to use a therapeutic intervention to help the child explore these feelings. Which activity would be most effective?

Accepted Answer

Creating a comic book where the main character has a chronic illness.

Answer

Playing a competitive video game against the specialist.

Answer

Building a complex model airplane.

Answer

Watching a popular action movie.

A 7-year-old child is hospitalized for a tonsillectomy.The child appears withdrawn, is having trouble sleeping, and tells the nurse, 'I'm scared of the doctors.' Which therapeutic play intervention would be most appropriate for the Child Life Specialist to use first?

A 7-year-old child is hospitalized for a tonsillectomy.
The child appears withdrawn, is having trouble sleeping, and tells the nurse, 'I'm scared of the doctors.' Which therapeutic play intervention would be most appropriate for the Child Life Specialist to use first?