Pediatric Nurse Exam Pediatric Nurse Psychosocial and Mental Health 4

Question 1

A nurse is using the CRIES scale in the NICU. This tool primarily measures:

Accepted Answer

Pain and distress in neonates

Answer

The CRIES scale (Crying, Requires O2, Increased vital signs, Expression, Sleeplessness) is a validated neonatal pain assessment tool.

Question 2

Which approach best supports a child with intellectual disability (ID) during a nursing assessment?

Accepted Answer

Use simple, concrete language and allow extra time for responses

Answer

Simple, concrete language and adequate processing time optimize communication and reduce anxiety in children with intellectual disability.

Question 3

A 9-year-old whose parents recently divorced begins wetting the bed after two years of being dry. The nurse should FIRST:

Accepted Answer

Reassure the child and family that this is a common stress response

Answer

Secondary enuresis in a child undergoing a major life stressor is most likely functional regression; reassurance is the first appropriate response.

Question 4

A nurse is discharging a 15-year-old after a psychiatric hospitalization for self-harm. Which element is MOST critical in the safety plan?

Accepted Answer

Means restriction and identified crisis contacts

Answer

Lethal means restriction combined with clear crisis contacts are the most evidence-based components of safety planning for self-harm.

Question 5

The nurse observes that a 4-year-old hospitalized child repeatedly injects a toy doll and says 'owie.' The nurse interprets this as:

Accepted Answer

Therapeutic play used to process the hospital experience

Answer

Re-enacting medical procedures through play is a healthy coping mechanism that allows young children to process and master stressful experiences.

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