Which approaches would be best for a nurse to use when attempting to do a physical assessment on a 2-year-old child? (Select all that apply)

Choice A reason: Allowing a toddler to touch equipment can reduce fear by familiarizing them with tools, increasing cooperation. Prohibiting this may heighten anxiety, making the assessment more difficult. This approach is not developmentally appropriate for a 2-year-old, who benefits from exploration, making it an incorrect choice. Choice B reason: Performing the exam on the parent’s lap provides a sense of security for a 2-year-old, reducing anxiety and improving cooperation. Toddlers have separation anxiety and trust familiar caregivers, making this a developmentally appropriate approach that facilitates a successful physical assessment in a pediatric setting. Choice C reason: Changing the order of the assessment based on the child’s cooperation is effective for 2-year-olds, who may be uncooperative due to fear or developmental stage. Flexibility minimizes distress, starting with less invasive exams (e.g., heart auscultation) before distressing ones, making this a correct and practical approach. Choice D reason: Using praise during an assessment reinforces positive behavior in 2-year-olds, reducing fear and encouraging cooperation. Positive reinforcement aligns with developmental psychology, building trust and making the experience less stressful, which is essential for successful pediatric assessments, making this a correct and effective strategy. Choice E reason: Performing ear and throat exams first is invasive and often distressing for 2-year-olds, increasing resistance and anxiety. Starting with less invasive assessments (e.g., listening to the heart) builds trust, making this approach incorrect as it disregards the toddler’s developmental need for a gradual, less threatening examination process.