Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

For a 3-year-old child on bed rest due to a fractured femur, which toy would be most suitable to alleviate frustration?

1. A stuffed bear

2. A large ball

3. Dress up clothes

4. A play hammer and pounding board

The correct answer is: A play hammer and pounding board

The choice of a play hammer and pounding board is particularly suitable for a 3-year-old child on bed rest due to a fractured femur because it allows for engaging play while accommodating the child's limited mobility. This type of toy encourages active participation without requiring the child to move around excessively, making it ideal for a healing environment. Additionally, engaging with a pounding board can help develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, both of which are essential for a child's developmental progress. Such toys can also provide an outlet for stress, allowing the child to focus their energy in a productive way, thereby alleviating feelings of frustration and boredom that may arise from being confined to bed rest. In contrast, a stuffed bear, while comforting, does not actively engage the child in play that can help alleviate frustration. A large ball might encourage movements that are unsafe for a child who should be resting. Dress-up clothes could inspire imaginative play but may not be feasible while on bed rest, as they typically require more physical activity than the child is able to do. Thus, the play hammer and pounding board strikes a balance between playfulness and practicality for a child recovering from an injury.