HESI Registered Nurse EXIT Practice Exam

Which toy is most appropriate for a 30-month-old child admitted to the hospital?

1. Cartoon stickers

2. Large wooden puzzle

3. Blunt scissors and paper

4. Beach ball

The correct answer is: Large wooden puzzle

For a 30-month-old child, the development of fine and gross motor skills is important, and play is crucial in fostering these skills. A large wooden puzzle is ideal for this age as it encourages cognitive development, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving skills. Puzzles can be engaging for toddlers and help them learn through trial and error, which is beneficial for their developmental stage. Additionally, wooden puzzles are safe, durable, and suitable for this age group. They provide a tactile experience and can often help children recognize shapes and colors, supporting early literacy and numeracy skills. Engaging with such toys can also help distract and comfort a child during a hospital stay, making it a more suitable choice compared to the other options. In contrast, cartoon stickers, while fun, may not occupy a child constructively or engage their skills to the same extent as a puzzle. Blunt scissors and paper are inappropriate for this age due to safety risks and the complexity of the task. A beach ball, while good for gross motor play, does not directly support cognitive or fine motor skill development as effectively as a puzzle would.