Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What method is useful in assessing a preschool child's body image difficulties?

1. Interviews with parents

2. Physical examinations

3. Drawings

4. Standardized tests

The correct answer is: Drawings

Using drawings as a method to assess a preschool child's body image difficulties is particularly effective for several reasons. Children in this age group often express themselves more freely through art, as it allows them to communicate emotions and perceptions that they may not have the vocabulary to articulate verbally. When a preschool child creates drawings of themselves or others, healthcare professionals can gain insights into the child's self-perception, feelings about their body, and how they view physical differences as compared to their peers. This non-verbal communication can reveal underlying issues such as body dissatisfaction or confusion about body image that may not surface in interviews or standardized tests. In contrast, interviews with parents may provide some context but can miss the child's personal views and feelings. Physical examinations focus more on health status rather than psychological or emotional perceptions, and standardized tests typically require cognitive skills that preschool-age children may not possess, making them less suitable for assessing body image in this age group. Drawings bypass these limitations, rendering them a valuable tool in understanding a young child's body image difficulties.