NCLEX: A 3-year-old child in the pediatric clinic is being evaluated for developmental expectations for toddler and pres…

Psychology / lifespan development Health Promotion and Maintenance

Case Study

A 3-year-old child in the pediatric clinic is being evaluated for developmental expectations for toddler and preschool development. Assessment data include the child has frequent tantrums and the caregiver asks about limit setting. Which nursing action is the priority to keep the client safe?

Question

A. Stay with the client, remove immediate hazards, reassess, and escalate per facility safety protocol.
B. Leave the client alone to promote independence while finishing charting.
C. Apply the first intervention in the policy manual without a current assessment.
D. Document the finding and recheck at the end of the shift without further assessment.

Rationale

Correct answer: A. Stay with the client, remove immediate hazards, reassess, and escalate per facility safety protocol.

Rationale: Client safety requires direct assessment, hazard reduction, and timely escalation rather than assumptions, abandonment, or policy-only actions.

Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.

Level: Foundational

Difficulty: Easy

Subtopic: Toddler and preschool development