Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

In planning care for a child with a confirmed diagnosis of asthma, which nursing intervention is crucial?

1. Educate about diet

2. Validate the child’s feelings about asthma

3. Encourage physical activity

4. Maintain a consistent routine

The correct answer is: Validate the child’s feelings about asthma

In the context of planning care for a child with asthma, validating the child’s feelings about their condition is pivotal. Asthma can be an emotionally challenging diagnosis, particularly for children who may experience fear or anxiety regarding their symptoms and the potential for asthma attacks. By acknowledging and validating their feelings, nurses foster a supportive environment where the child feels understood and empowered to express concerns or fears. This emotional support is integral to comprehensive asthma management, as it can alleviate anxiety and improve the child’s willingness to engage in their care plan. While educating about diet, encouraging physical activity, and maintaining a consistent routine are also important aspects of managing asthma, they do not address the emotional and psychological components that can significantly impact a child’s overall well-being and ability to cope with their condition. Emotional validation facilitates open communication, which is essential for teaching the child about their asthma management, including the importance of medication adherence and recognizing early signs of worsening symptoms.