Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

What should a nurse teach the parents of a 3-year-old regarding promoting sleep?

1. Encourage active play prior to bedtime.

2. Let the child remain awake until tired enough to go to sleep.

3. Follow a nightly routine and established bedtime.

4. Reward the child with a food treat just prior to sleep.

The correct answer is: Follow a nightly routine and established bedtime.

Promoting sleep in young children is crucial for their development and overall well-being. Establishing a consistent nightly routine and a set bedtime helps signal to the child that it is time to wind down and prepares them for sleep. A nightly routine might include calming activities such as bathing, reading a book, or cuddling, which can help ease the transition from wakefulness to sleep. This predictability and structure can give the child a sense of security, making them more likely to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Active play prior to bedtime is generally not recommended, as it can increase energy levels and make it harder for the child to settle down. Allowing the child to remain awake until they feel tired could result in irregular sleep patterns and may lead to overtiredness, making it even more difficult for them to fall asleep. Additionally, rewarding a child with food just before sleep can create negative associations with bedtime and may encourage unhealthy eating habits. Following a nightly routine and established bedtime offers the best approach for promoting healthy sleep habits in young children.