Author Question: Which age group should the pediatric nurse recognize as being vulnerable to events that lessen their ... (Read 29 times)

jjjetplane · **on:** Jun 28, 2018

Which age group should the pediatric nurse recognize as being vulnerable to events that lessen their feeling of control and power?

a. Infants
b. Toddlers
c. Preschoolers
d. School-age children

Question 2

During the first 4 days of hospitalization, Eric, age 18 months, cried inconsolably when his parents left him, and he refused the staff's attention.

Now the nurse observes that Eric appears to be settled in and unconcerned about seeing his parents. The nurse should interpret this as which statement?
a. He has successfully adjusted to the hospital environment.
b. He has transferred his trust to the nursing staff.
c. He may be experiencing detachment, which is the third stage of separation anxiety.
d. Because he is at home in the hospital now, seeing his mother frequently will only start the cycle again.

kescobar@64 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
When a child is hospitalized, the altered family role, physical disability, loss of peer acceptance, lack of productivity, and inability to cope with stress usurp individual power and identity. This is especially detrimental to school-age children, who are striving for independence and productivity and are now experiencing events that lessen their control and power. Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, although affected to different extents by loss of power, are not as significantly affected as are school-age children.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Detachment is a behavior manifestation of separation anxiety. Superficially it appears that the child has adjusted to the loss. Detachment is a sign of resignation, not contentment. Parents should be encouraged to be with their child. If parents restrict visits, they may begin a pattern of misunderstanding the child's cues and not meeting his needs.