DCF 40 HOURS CHILD CARE (HSAN) HEALTH,
SAFETY, AND NUTRITION EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2025/2026
How are each of the senses used to observe a child? - ANSWER ->We can use our
senses—sight, touch, sound, and smell—when checking for signs of wellness
and/or illness.
Sight - ANSWER ->- look at the child's complexion; observe for signs of pain or
discomfort, such as limping, droopy eyes, or a runny nose
Sound - ANSWER ->- listen to how the child is breathing, or if they are coughing or
sniffling; listen to their words
about how they are feeling
Touch - ANSWER ->- does the child feel warm to the touch; does the child flinch
when you touch them Smell - ANSWER ->- pay attention to how the child smells;
for example, their breath
Why is it important to use more than one sense at a time to observe warning
signs? - ANSWER ->You cannot make a complete observation based on one small
detail. For example, a red eyelid may not mean the presence of pink eye.
Appetite - ANSWER ->-Can eat an appropriate amount of food at meal times
-Will consume a variety of foods
Is interested in eating
Appears content after meals and snacks
Appearance - ANSWER ->-Has clear, bright eyes
-Has clear skin
-Has age-appropriate muscles
-Gains steadily in height and body weight
,Activity - ANSWER ->-Has plenty of energy (not hyperactive)
-Is alert
-Sleeps soundly
-Has few aches and pains
An emotionally healthy child - ANSWER ->usually reflects happy, cheerful feelings.
A socially healthy child - ANSWER ->is friendly most of the time, interacts with
other children, and enjoys quiet activities that require concentration.
A mentally healthy child - ANSWER ->is interested in new experiences, and is
usually confident and adaptable.
Daily health checks are a good way of - ANSWER - >preventing, identifying, and
controlling illness in a child care environment.
The main goals are - ANSWER ->to know the children in your care and to provide
good care.
Daily health checks will help you - ANSWER ->know your children's routine
behavior, reduce the spread of infection, draw attention to children with obvious
signs of illness, and foster good communication with parents.
The (Behavior) signs to observe in a daily health check - ANSWER ->-General mood
(unusually quiet, irritable, drowsy, or restless)
-Unusual behavior
-Activity level
-Breathing difficulties (labored)
-Severe coughing or sneezing
-Hoarseness
, The (Physical) signs to observe in a daily health check - ANSWER ->-Skin color
(flushed or pale, dry or clammy, hot)
-Unusual spots, rashes
-Swelling or bruises
-Sores
-Discharge from nose, ears, eyes
-Eyes red, irritated, sensitive to light
Other signs observed in children as part of a daily health check - ANSWER ->-Fever
(over 101oF, taken orally) Vomiting (all, or even part, of food consumed recently)
Bowel movement changes (changes in color, odor, frequency)
-Pain (screaming, crying, head-rolling)
-Skin Marks (rashes, bruises)
A daily health checklist - ANSWER ->is beneficial to caregivers because it helps
track patterns that alert caregivers to warning signs.
It is important to remember - ANSWER ->-Daily health checks are essential for
ensuring the health of children in care
- Children's health records are confidential
Fever - ANSWER ->may be a warning sign that the body has an infection and
needs treatment before the infection can become harmful.
You should take a child's temperature when the child is displaying symptoms
such as: - ANSWER ->-Warm or hot to the touch
-Sweating more than usual
-Flushed appearance
-Sleepiness
-Unusual breathing
-Poor appetite
-May be more thirsty than usual
SAFETY, AND NUTRITION EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2025/2026
How are each of the senses used to observe a child? - ANSWER ->We can use our
senses—sight, touch, sound, and smell—when checking for signs of wellness
and/or illness.
Sight - ANSWER ->- look at the child's complexion; observe for signs of pain or
discomfort, such as limping, droopy eyes, or a runny nose
Sound - ANSWER ->- listen to how the child is breathing, or if they are coughing or
sniffling; listen to their words
about how they are feeling
Touch - ANSWER ->- does the child feel warm to the touch; does the child flinch
when you touch them Smell - ANSWER ->- pay attention to how the child smells;
for example, their breath
Why is it important to use more than one sense at a time to observe warning
signs? - ANSWER ->You cannot make a complete observation based on one small
detail. For example, a red eyelid may not mean the presence of pink eye.
Appetite - ANSWER ->-Can eat an appropriate amount of food at meal times
-Will consume a variety of foods
Is interested in eating
Appears content after meals and snacks
Appearance - ANSWER ->-Has clear, bright eyes
-Has clear skin
-Has age-appropriate muscles
-Gains steadily in height and body weight
,Activity - ANSWER ->-Has plenty of energy (not hyperactive)
-Is alert
-Sleeps soundly
-Has few aches and pains
An emotionally healthy child - ANSWER ->usually reflects happy, cheerful feelings.
A socially healthy child - ANSWER ->is friendly most of the time, interacts with
other children, and enjoys quiet activities that require concentration.
A mentally healthy child - ANSWER ->is interested in new experiences, and is
usually confident and adaptable.
Daily health checks are a good way of - ANSWER - >preventing, identifying, and
controlling illness in a child care environment.
The main goals are - ANSWER ->to know the children in your care and to provide
good care.
Daily health checks will help you - ANSWER ->know your children's routine
behavior, reduce the spread of infection, draw attention to children with obvious
signs of illness, and foster good communication with parents.
The (Behavior) signs to observe in a daily health check - ANSWER ->-General mood
(unusually quiet, irritable, drowsy, or restless)
-Unusual behavior
-Activity level
-Breathing difficulties (labored)
-Severe coughing or sneezing
-Hoarseness
, The (Physical) signs to observe in a daily health check - ANSWER ->-Skin color
(flushed or pale, dry or clammy, hot)
-Unusual spots, rashes
-Swelling or bruises
-Sores
-Discharge from nose, ears, eyes
-Eyes red, irritated, sensitive to light
Other signs observed in children as part of a daily health check - ANSWER ->-Fever
(over 101oF, taken orally) Vomiting (all, or even part, of food consumed recently)
Bowel movement changes (changes in color, odor, frequency)
-Pain (screaming, crying, head-rolling)
-Skin Marks (rashes, bruises)
A daily health checklist - ANSWER ->is beneficial to caregivers because it helps
track patterns that alert caregivers to warning signs.
It is important to remember - ANSWER ->-Daily health checks are essential for
ensuring the health of children in care
- Children's health records are confidential
Fever - ANSWER ->may be a warning sign that the body has an infection and
needs treatment before the infection can become harmful.
You should take a child's temperature when the child is displaying symptoms
such as: - ANSWER ->-Warm or hot to the touch
-Sweating more than usual
-Flushed appearance
-Sleepiness
-Unusual breathing
-Poor appetite
-May be more thirsty than usual