Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

When caring for a toddler with asthma who is hospitalized, what nursing action should help reduce stress?

1. Provide medication for anxiety

2. Encourage rooming-in

3. Limit family visits

4. Use distraction techniques

The correct answer is: Encourage rooming-in

Encouraging rooming-in is a beneficial nursing action for a hospitalized toddler with asthma as it helps to reduce stress by providing comfort and a sense of security. Toddlers often experience anxiety and fear when separated from their caregivers or familiar environments. By allowing a parent or caregiver to stay with the child in the hospital room, the child can maintain a sense of normalcy and emotional support, which can significantly ease their distress and promote relaxation. This approach not only helps to solidify the bond between the child and their caregiver but also allows the caregiver to play an active role in the child's care, potentially enhancing the child’s overall experience in the hospital. The presence of a caregiver can help the child feel more at ease, reduce fear related to medical procedures, and promote cooperation during care activities. Other options, while they may have their place in certain situations, do not address the immediate emotional needs of the child as effectively as encouraging rooming-in does. For instance, medication for anxiety can have side effects and may not directly alleviate the child's stress related to hospitalization. Limiting family visits can increase feelings of isolation and anxiety, and using distraction techniques might not be as effective without the comfort of a caregiver present. Therefore, promoting rooming-in stands out as