A nurse is assessing a 2-year-old child at a well-child visit. The child’s parent expresses concern about the child’s increasing temper tantrums and difficult behaviors. Which of the following statements should the nurse respond with?
“Discipline is an important aspect of parenting. How do you discipline the child when they act out?”
“Some children have more difficult personalities. There are great parenting books that can help you.”.
“Toddlers are beginning to develop a desire for autonomy. Temper tantrums are normal during this stage.”.
“Diets can play a part in behavioral concerns. What does your child typically eat during the day?”
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
While discipline is an important aspect of parenting, the nurse’s response should focus on normalizing the child’s behavior and providing reassurance to the parent. Discussing discipline methods may not address the parent’s immediate concern about temper tantrums.
Choice B rationale
Suggesting that some children have more difficult personalities and recommending parenting books may not provide the immediate reassurance and understanding the parent needs. It is important to normalize the child’s behavior and explain that temper tantrums are a normal part of development.
Choice C rationale
Toddlers are beginning to develop a sense of autonomy and independence, which can lead to temper tantrums as they assert their desires and preferences. Explaining that temper tantrums are normal during this stage of development helps reassure the parent and provides a better understanding of their child’s behavior.
Choice D rationale
While diet can play a role in behavior, the nurse’s response should focus on normalizing the child’s behavior and providing reassurance. Discussing diet may not address the parent’s immediate concern about temper tantrums and difficult behaviors.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Ignoring temper tantrums is an effective strategy for managing this behavior. By not giving attention to the tantrum, the child learns that this behavior will not achieve the desired outcome. This approach helps reduce the frequency and intensity of tantrums over time.
Choice B rationale
Restraining the child physically during a temper tantrum can escalate the situation and may cause injury to the child or the caregiver. It is not recommended as a strategy for managing temper tantrums.
Choice C rationale
Distracting the child by offering to play a game can be an effective strategy for preventing tantrums, but it is not the best approach once a tantrum has already started. Ignoring the tantrum is more effective in reducing the behavior over time.
Choice D rationale
Telling the child that temper tantrums are not acceptable may not be effective during the tantrum itself. The child is unlikely to be receptive to verbal reasoning during a tantrum. Ignoring the tantrum is a more effective strategy.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Temper tantrums are not a type of learning disability. They are a normal part of toddler development and are a way for toddlers to express frustration and assert independence.
Choice B rationale
Leaving the room while a tantrum is happening is not recommended. It is important for parents to stay calm and present, providing a safe environment for the child. Ignoring the tantrum while staying nearby can help the child learn to self-regulate.
Choice C rationale
Psychological consults are not typically necessary for temper tantrums. Temper tantrums are a normal part of development and usually decrease as the child learns to communicate and manage emotions better.
Choice D rationale
Temper tantrums are indeed the toddler’s attempt to gain control of a situation. Toddlers often have tantrums when they are unable to express their needs or when they are frustrated by their lack of control over their environment. Understanding this can help parents respond appropriately and support their child’s emotional development.