Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

What guidance is appropriate for a family of a child with juvenile idiopathic arthritis?

1. Limit movement of the child's large joints.

2. Encourage the child to perform independent self-care.

3. Provide the child with a soft mattress for sleeping.

4. Schedule a 2-hour daily nap for the child in the afternoon.

The correct answer is: Encourage the child to perform independent self-care.

Encouraging a child with juvenile idiopathic arthritis to perform independent self-care is important for numerous reasons. Firstly, fostering independence in self-care tasks helps to boost the child's self-esteem and promotes autonomy, both of which are crucial for emotional well-being. This approach also aids in developing the child's coping strategies as they learn to manage their condition independently. Additionally, while the condition may limit certain physical activities due to pain or stiffness, promoting self-care encourages the child to become more aware of their body and understand their own limits, encouraging a sense of control over their daily life. Engaging in self-care tasks can also motivate the child to participate in physical activities that are appropriate and beneficial for their range of motion and overall physical health, as long as they're done within pain tolerance levels. In contrast, some options may seem appealing but are not the best choices. Limiting movement of a child's large joints can lead to decreased mobility and further stiffness, which can exacerbate their symptoms in the long run. Providing a soft mattress may not adequately support the child's body, potentially causing discomfort rather than comfort. Scheduling a long daily nap may seem beneficial, but too much sleep in the day can disrupt nighttime rest and may not contribute positively to energy levels and overall activity during waking