NBCSN Nationally Certified School Nurse Practice Exam

What is the greatest cause of death for children aged 5-9 years old?

1. Homicide

2. Accidents/unintentional injury

3. Suicide

4. Congenital malformations

The correct answer is: Accidents/unintentional injury

The greatest cause of death for children aged 5-9 years old is accidents or unintentional injuries. This category encompasses a variety of incidents, including motor vehicle accidents, drowning, falls, and other mishaps that can occur during play or everyday activities. In this age group, children are naturally curious and active, which increases their exposure to potential hazards in their environment. While concerns like homicide, suicide, and congenital malformations are significant, they do not surpass accidents in terms of prevalence as a cause of mortality in this age group. The focus on prevention strategies, awareness campaigns, and education about safety can help mitigate these risks, highlighting the importance of vigilance in protecting children from unintentional injuries. Understanding the primary risk factors and implementing safety measures is crucial to reducing these tragic fatalities among young children.