Maternity Nursing Q 177
Which of the following suggestions should the nurse offer the parents of a 4-year-old boy who resists going to bed at night?
A. “Allow him to fall asleep in your room, then move him to his own bed.”
B. “Tell him that you will lock him in his room if he gets out of bed one more time.”
C. “Encourage active play at bedtime to tire him out so he will fall asleep faster.”
D. “Read him a story and allow him to play quietly in his bed until he falls asleep.”
Correct Answer: D. “Read him a story and allow him to play quietly in his bed until he falls asleep.”
Preschoolers commonly have fears of the dark, being left alone especially at bedtime, and ghosts, which may affect the child’s going to bed at night. Quiet play and time with parents is a positive bedtime routine that provides security and also readies the child for sleep.
Option A: The child should sleep in his own bed.
Option B: Telling the child about locking him in his room will be viewed by the child as a threat. Additionally, a locked door is frightening and potentially hazardous.
Option C: Vigorous activity at bedtime stirs up the child and makes it more difficult to fall asleep.