A nurse cares for a 4-year-old child with croup who wets the bed overnight. When the parents visit the next day, the nurse explains the situation, and one of the parents says, "She never wets the bed at home. I am so embarrassed." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
"It is expected for children who are hospitalized to regress. The toileting skills will return when your child is feeling better."
"Why does it bother you that your child has wet the bed?"
"I know this can really be embarrassing. I have kids myself, so I understand, and it doesn't bother me."
"Your child did not seem upset, so I wouldn't worry about it if I were you."
The Correct Answer is A
A. "It is expected for children who are hospitalized to regress. The toileting skills will return when your child is feeling better." Hospitalization can be stressful and disruptive for children, often causing temporary regression Reassuring parents that this behavior is common and usually resolves as the child recovers helps reduce parental anxiety and supports understanding.
B. "Why does it bother you that your child has wet the bed?" This response may come across as confrontational or judgmental, potentially increasing the parent's distress rather than providing comfort or support during a vulnerable moment.
C. "I know this can really be embarrassing. I have kids myself, so I understand, and it doesn't bother me." While this statement shows empathy, it may unintentionally shift focus to the nurse’s experience rather than validating the parent’s feelings. A more supportive response addresses the child’s needs and parental concerns directly.
D. "Your child did not seem upset, so I wouldn't worry about it if I were you." Dismissing the parent's feelings about the situation may cause them to feel unheard or invalidated. Acknowledging the parent's emotions while providing reassurance is a more supportive approach.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "This is a typical reaction for a child who is sick.” While illness may heighten distress, the behavior described—crying when the parent leaves—is more related to developmental stage than to acute illness, and should not be solely attributed to sickness.
B. "This is a response to an overstimulating environment." Overstimulation can cause fussiness or irritability, but separation anxiety, not overstimulation, best explains the infant’s reaction to the parent leaving.
C. "This is a normal, expected reaction for a child of this age." Separation anxiety typically emerges around 6–8 months of age as infants begin to understand object permanence. The child’s distress upon separation is a developmentally appropriate behavior.
D. "This is a common reaction to an overexposure to caregivers." Overexposure does not lead to distress when a caregiver leaves. Rather, strong attachment bonds cause infants to become upset when their primary caregiver is not present.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Controls impulsive feelings: Impulse control is still developing in preschoolers and becomes more established during the school-age years. Preschoolers often act out emotionally due to limited self-regulation, so full control over impulses is not expected.
B. Builds a collection of cards: Organizing and collecting items in a systematic way is more typical of school-age children, who develop interests in categorization and collecting based on rules and order. Preschoolers do not yet have this level of structured play.
C. Participates in imaginary play: Engaging in imaginative and pretend play is a hallmark of preschool development. It supports cognitive, social, and emotional growth and reflects their emerging creativity and understanding of the world around them.
D. Expresses need for privacy: While preschoolers may start to show modesty, a strong, consistent desire for privacy typically emerges in school-age children as they become more self-aware and socially conscious.
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