A preschool-age client is seen in the clinic for a sore throat. ...

[cool]

A preschool-age client is seen in the clinic for a sore throat. In this child's mind, what is the most likely causative agent for the sore throat?
 
  1. Was exposed to someone else with a sore throat.
  2. Did not eat the right foods.
  3. Yelled at his brother.
  4. Did not take his vitamins.

Question 2

A group of children on one hospital unit are all suffering separation anxiety. Which child is experiencing the despair stage of separation anxiety?
 
  1. Does not cry if parents return and leave again
  2. Screams and cries when parents leave
  3. Appears to be happy and content with staff
  4. Lies quietly in bed

[tofugiraffe]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale: Preschoolers understand some concepts of being sick but not the cause of illness. They are likely to think that they are sick as a result of something that they have done. They will frequently view illness as punishment. A child of this age does not yet understand that he can become sick from exposure to someone else who is sick. The other two answers, while not causes of sore throat, can be factors in some illnesses but are beyond the thinking of a 4-year-old.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale: Children in the despair stage appear sad, depressed, or withdrawn. A child who is lying in bed might be exhibiting any of these. Screaming and crying are components of the protest stage. The young child who appears to be happy and content with everyone is in the denial stage, as is the child who does not cry if parents return and leave again.