Exam 3 (Preschool)

Question 1

Average weight & height at 3 yr?

Answer 1

≈ 14.5 kg (32 lb) and 95 cm (37.5 in).

Question 2

Average weight & height at 4 yr?

Answer 2

≈ 16.7 kg (36.8 lb) and 103 cm (40.5 in).

Question 3

Average weight & height at 5 yr?

Answer 3

≈ 18.7 kg (41.5 lb) and 110 cm (43.5 in).

Question 4

Typical annual height-gain?

Answer 4

6.5–9 cm / yr (2.5-3.5 in); legs elongate more than trunk.

Question 4

Typical annual weight-gain in preschool?

Answer 4

2–3 kg / yr (4.5-6.5 lb).

Question 5

Key gross motor at 3 yr?

Answer 5

Ride tricycle, walk on tip-toe, balance on one foot a few sec, broad-jump.

Question 6

Key gross motor at 4 yr?

Answer 6

Skip & hop on one foot, catch a ball reliably.

Question 7

Key gross motor at 5 yr?

Answer 7

Skip on alternate feet, jump rope, begin skating & swimming.

Question 8

Characteristic fine motor at 3 yr?

Answer 8

Copies a circle, builds 9–10-cube tower, threads small pellets.

Question 9

Fine motor at 4 yr?

Answer 9

Uses scissors, copies square/cross/diamond, adds 3 parts to stick figure.

Question 10

Fine motor at 5 yr?

Answer 10

Ties shoelaces, uses pencil well, copies diamond/triangle, prints some letters.

Question 11

Vocabulary size at 3 yr?

Answer 11

≈ 900 words; 3–4-word telegraphic sentences.

Question 12

Vocabulary at 4 yr?

Answer 12

≈ 1 500 words; 4–5-word sentences; peak questioning.

Question 13

Vocabulary at 5 yr?

Answer 13

≈ 2 100 words; 6–8-word sentences with all parts of speech.

Question 14

Major language hallmark across preschool?

Answer 14

Explosive growth from 300 → 2 100 words & more adult grammar.

Question 15

Erikson stage for preschoolers?

Answer 15

Initiative vs. Guilt—energetic learning & taking on new tasks.

Question 16

Key conflict if initiative exceeds ability?

Answer 16

Feelings of guilt, anxiety, fear.

Question 17

Piaget phase 2–7 yr?

Answer 17

Pre-operational (pre-conceptual 2–4 yr → intuitive 4–7 yr).

Question 17

Cognitive hallmarks?

Answer 17

Egocentrism, magical thinking, limited causality & time sense.

Question 18

Kohlberg level in early childhood?

Answer 18

Pre-conventional—right/wrong linked to reward/punishment.

Question 19

Preschooler’s concept of God?

Answer 19

Concrete, anthropomorphic; benefits from picture books/figures.

Question 20

Self-care ability by 4-5 yr?

Answer 20

Mostly independent with dressing, eating, toileting.

Question 20

Body-image issue common by 5 yr?

Answer 20

Compare size; may feel “too big” or “too small.”

Question 21

Why are bandages reassuring?

Answer 21

Poor body-boundary sense—fear “insides will leak out.”

Question 21

Age sexual exploration peaks?

Answer 21

Around preschool; curiosity drives “doctor” play.

Question 21

Recommended protein intake?

Answer 21

13–19 g/day.

Question 22

Typical play style?

Answer 22

Associative; dramatic/imitative & use of imaginary companions.

Question 22

Parent guidance re: imaginary friend?

Answer 22

Accept but don’t allow blaming misbehavior on it.

Question 23

Daily kcal need for moderately active preschooler?

Answer 23

≈ 1 200–1 400 kcal.

Question 24

Fat guideline for ≥2 yr?

Answer 24

< 30 % total calories averaged over several days.

Question 25

Calcium RDA 1–3 yr vs 4–8 yr?

Answer 25

700 mg vs 1 000 mg.

Question 26

100 % fruit-juice limits?

Answer 26

4 oz/day (1–3 yr); 4–6 oz/day (4–6 yr).

Question 27

Average nightly sleep need?

Answer 27

≈ 12 h; naps become infrequent.

Question 28

Common sleep problems?

Answer 28

Bedtime resistance, night-wakings, nightmares vs sleep terrors.

Question 29

Best prevention tip?

Answer 29

Consistent bedtime routine & limiting frightening media.

Question 30

Status of dentition entering preschool?

Answer 30

Primary dentition complete; parents still brush & floss.

Question 31

Top safety emphasis now?

Answer 31

Education + helmets (trikes/bikes); model safe behavior.

Question 32

Common preschool fears?

Answer 32

Dark, being alone, animals, body injury.

Question 33

Key strategy to reduce fear?

Answer 33

Gradual desensitization & night-lights; involve child in coping ideas.

Question 34

Signs of stress overload?

Answer 34

Regression, somatic complaints, sleep issues—limit schedules & prep for changes.

Question 35

Definition of hyper-aggressive behavior?

Answer 35

Unprovoked attacks, property destruction, severe tantrums ≥ 4 wk.

Question 36

Normal speech dysfluency age?

Answer 36

Stuttering common 2–5 yr; usually resolves.

Question 37

Five “R’s” that foster readiness for preschool?

Answer 37

Read, Rhyme/Play/Cuddle, establish Routines, Reward successes, build Relationships.

Question 38

Benefits of quality preschool?

Answer 38

Cooperation, coping with frustration, sociocultural exposure, competence.

Question 39

What is expected behavior at 3

Answer 39

Expect widening relationships, offer choices, normal speech dysfluency, fluctuating appetite.

Question 40

What is expected behavior at 4

Answer 40

More aggressive & imaginative; set realistic limits; prepare for tall tales & nightmares.

Question 41

What is expected behavior at 5

Answer 41

“Tranquil” year; prep for school entry & ensure immunizations; consider swim lessons.

Question 42

Well-child visit quality indicator ?

Answer 42

≥ 1 preventive visit each year for ages 3–6 yr.

Question 43

5-2-1-0 obesity-prevention rule?

Answer 43

5 + fruits/veg, ≤2 h screen, ≥1 h activity, 0 sugary drinks daily.

Question 44

How does a preschooler’s body look different from a toddler’s?

Answer 44

Growth slows; they become slender but sturdy, graceful and agile. Legs lengthen, posture is erect, feet are set wide apart, and the pot-bellied toddler look disappears.

Question 45

How do preschoolers generally handle strangers and brief separations from parents?

Answer 45

Most stranger anxiety is gone and they tolerate short separations well, though long hospital stays are still stressful.

Question 46

List 4 nurse tips for preparing a preschooler for a procedure.

Answer 46

Explain in simple words, never as punishment. Let them handle or “play doctor” with the real equipment. Use a neutral word set (“special straw” for IV, etc.). Encourage acting it out on a doll before and after to clear up misconceptions.

Question 47

What question summarizes the Initiative vs Guilt stage and what outcome do we want?

Answer 47

“Am I good or bad?” - We want them to take initiative confidently, not feel guilty for normal curiosity or mistakes.

Question 48

Give an example of animism and magical thinking in a 4-year-old.

Answer 48

Thinking the toilet will “swallow” them (animism) or believing their thought caused their sibling’s illness (magical thinking).

Question 49

Best nursing advice to parents of a child afraid of the dark?

Answer 49

Involve the child in solutions (pick a night-light, plan a “monster check”), provide gradual exposure, and avoid over-attention that reinforces the fear.

Question 50

Name 5 prosocial skills we expect by 5 yrs.

Answer 50

Sharing, helping, cooperating, taking turns in conversation, showing kindness/affection.

Question 51

What play dominates this age and give 3 ideal toy categories.

Answer 51

Associative, dramatic/imitative play. Great toys: dress-up clothes, housekeeping/doctor kits, large building blocks.

Question 52

Why shouldn’t parents worry about imaginary friends?

Answer 52

They’re normal, help with loneliness or mastery of tasks, and usually disappear when school starts; just don’t let the “friend” dodge responsibility.

Question 53

List two nurse talking-points when screening school readiness.

Answer 53

Check social-emotional maturity/self-regulation and discuss the “5 R’s” (Read, Rhyme, Routine, Reward, Relationship) with parents

Question 54

Two rules for answering a preschooler’s “Where do babies come from?”

Answer 54

First ask what they already think. Give an honest, brief answer and wait for the next question.

Question 55

What is the recommended parental response to normal preschool masturbation?

Answer 55

Calmly state it’s private behavior, redirect to another activity, and avoid shaming.

Question 56

Name two subtle stress signs in a preschooler and a prevention tip.

Answer 56

Regression (e.g., bed-wetting) or somatic complaints; keep schedules predictable with built-in rest.

Question 57

When does aggression warrant professional help?

Answer 57

If severe, lasts ≥ 4 weeks, or impairs social/cognitive function (frequent unprovoked attacks, property destruction).

Question 58

Best advice to parents of a 3-year-old who stutters?

Answer 58

Speak slowly, don’t finish sentences, listen attentively—most resolve spontaneously.

Question 59

Who flosses a 4-year-old’s teeth and why are band-aids so important after shots?

Answer 59

Parents still floss; children fear their “insides” might leak out if the skin is broken.

Question 60

First 3 actions if a preschooler swallows an unknown liquid at home.

Answer 60

1️⃣ Identify what & when, 2️⃣ Call Poison Control before giving anything, 3️⃣ Monitor airway; head to ED if advised.

Question 61

One subtle and one severe effect of lead exposure; core prevention tip.

Answer 61

Subtle: distractibility/hyperactivity; Severe: seizures/coma. Prevent by eliminating lead sources (old paint, contaminated water) and screen levels.