Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

When selecting a toy for a 2 1/2-year-old hospitalized with cellulitis, which option is most appropriate?

1. A simple board game such as chutes and ladders

2. A stuffed animal

3. Crayons and a coloring book

4. Large dump trucks and garbage trucks

The correct answer is: Large dump trucks and garbage trucks

Selecting a toy for a 2 1/2-year-old hospitalized with cellulitis requires consideration of both developmental appropriateness and the child's current condition. The choice of large dump trucks and garbage trucks aligns well with the interests and developmental stage of toddlers, particularly those who are at the height of their imaginative play. At this age, children are typically engaging in parallel play and are drawn to toys that stimulate their creativity and motor skills. Large trucks are also easier for small hands to manipulate and provide opportunities for imaginative play, such as pretending to drive or load items, which can be comforting and engaging during a hospital stay. In a hospital setting, toys that can be easily cleaned or disinfected are important due to infection control measures. Larger toys, like dump trucks, can generally be made of materials that are easier to wipe down without harboring germs. Moreover, while a stuffed animal provides comfort, it may not engage a toddler’s imagination as actively as a toy like large trucks. Similarly, while a board game and coloring activities are valuable, they may not match the energy levels or interests of a toddler who often prefers active and engaging play. Thus, choosing large dump trucks and garbage trucks not only caters to the child's developmental stage but also supports play that is