Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

How can a nurse reassure a child when speaking to them alone?

1. By offering a toy to play with

2. By explaining the assessment process

3. By showing them the waiting area where parents will be

4. By allowing them to choose a treatment option

The correct answer is: By showing them the waiting area where parents will be

Reassuring a child can significantly depend on their understanding of their environment and the presence of their caregivers. Showing the child the waiting area where parents will be can help mitigate feelings of anxiety or fear that might arise from being alone with a nurse. This approach reinforces the idea that their parents are nearby and that they are not in a threatening or unfamiliar situation. It also provides a visual reassurance that they will soon be reunited with their loved ones, which can enhance their comfort level. While offering a toy or explaining the assessment process can also be comforting, these actions may not directly address the child's concern about separation from their parent. By making the waiting area visible, the nurse is working to create a sense of safety and continuity in the child’s experience, recognizing that a child's perception of safety is often closely tied to their parents' presence. Allowing a child to choose a treatment option may engage them but might also overwhelm or confuse them if they do not fully understand the implications of the choice. Therefore, showing them where their parent is offers a more direct form of reassurance in that moment.