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 The child appears withdrawn, is having trouble sleeping, and tells the nurse, 'I'm scared of the doctors.'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

Using a doll and medical equipment for play allows the child to express feelings, gain a sense of mastery over the situation, and clarify misconceptions about the medical experience in a non-threatening way. This form of therapeutic play is specifically designed to help children work through anxieties related to healthcare.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

To facilitate coping and emotional expression.

Answer

The fundamental purpose of therapeutic play, as facilitated by a Child Life Specialist, is to help children cope with the stress and anxiety of illness and hospitalization. It provides a safe outlet for expressing feelings, processing experiences, and developing coping mechanisms.

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

Decorating the IV pole is a therapeutic activity that allows the child to exert control over their immediate environment and medical equipment. This act of personalization can transform a scary object into something familiar and less threatening, thereby increasing their sense of mastery and control.

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

Expressive arts, like painting, provide a non-verbal medium for children to communicate complex emotions such as pain, fear, or anger that they may not be able to articulate. The choice of colors, the pressure of the brushstrokes, and the imagery created can all be powerful forms of expression.

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

While diversional play aims to entertain and normalize the environment, therapeutic play is purposeful and goal-oriented. It is intentionally designed to help a child meet emotional and psychological needs related to their healthcare experience, such as expressing feelings, understanding procedures, or gaining a sense of control.

Child Life Exam Practice Test

Child Life Exam Practice Test

Child Life Therapeutic Play Interventions Questions and Answers