Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What behavior might a 3-year-old child demonstrate after being admitted to the hospital following an accident?

1. Excessive friendliness towards hospital staff

2. Anxiety around strangers

3. Withdrawal from all visitors

4. Excited playfulness in the room

The correct answer is: Anxiety around strangers

A 3-year-old child who has just been admitted to the hospital after experiencing an accident may exhibit anxiety around strangers as a response to stress and trauma. This behavior is typically a reflection of their developmental stage, where children might feel insecure in unfamiliar environments, especially when medical staff are involved. At this age, children are still mastering social interactions and may be more likely to exhibit fear or anxiety in response to unfamiliar individuals and situations. After experiencing an accident, the hospital setting can heighten these feelings of insecurity, leading to increased anxiety towards those who are not part of their familiar environment, such as hospital staff and other adults. While excessive friendliness towards hospital staff, withdrawal from visitors, and excited playfulness can occur, these behaviors are less typical reactions for a child dealing with the stress of hospitalization following an accident. Anxiety is a common coping mechanism when faced with new and potentially frightening experiences, making it the most plausible behavior for a child in such a situation.