Which is the correct order for the nurse to conduct a physical assessment for a toddler-age client? ...

4, 1, 3, 2
Explanation:
1. Auscultation usually is less threatening to the toddler than is palpation, especially if the nurse first demonstrates using the stethoscope on a parent or a toy.
2. The most uncomfortable, most invasive examination for the toddler is most likely to be the examination of the eyes, ears, and throat; therefore, this assessment should be performed last.
3. Palpation can be more threatening than is observing or listening, so it should be completed after both.
4. The nurse will begin the assessment by looking at the child. This can be done while the mother is holding the child and the nurse is talking to the mother. This environment will be neutral for the child and will not cause anxiety.