Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

Which factor should be identified as a risk factor for a stress-related reaction in a hospitalized child?

1. Age 10.

2. First hospitalization.

3. Male gender.

4. Calm, quiet demeanor.

The correct answer is: Male gender.

The choice identifying the first hospitalization as a risk factor for a stress-related reaction in a hospitalized child is significant. When children experience their initial admission to a healthcare facility, they often face unfamiliar environments, procedures, and the presence of medical staff whom they do not know. This can lead to increased anxiety, fear, and feelings of vulnerability, which are all contributing factors to stress-related reactions. Understanding that a child’s response to hospitalization can be profoundly influenced by their previous experiences is crucial. Children who are hospitalized for the first time lack the coping mechanisms developed through familiarity with medical settings, which can make them more susceptible to stress and related reactions. Therefore, recognizing this initial hospitalization as a risk factor allows healthcare providers to offer additional support and education to help the child and their family navigate the experience more comfortably. In contrast, while age and gender can play roles in a child's coping strategies, they do not inherently indicate a likelihood of stress-related reactions. Similarly, a calm and quiet demeanor is often seen as a sign of resilience, rather than a risk factor, as those children may manage the stress of hospitalization more effectively than others.