A nurse is caring for a preschooler who is terminally ill.
Which of the following reactions to death should the nurse expect?
Perceives death as a punishment.
Worries about physical body changes.
Understands that death is permanent.
Has feelings of isolation.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Preschoolers often perceive death as a punishment due to their egocentric thinking and limited understanding of causality. Terminal illness may amplify this belief, especially if caregivers have previously used punitive language. Developmentally, they attribute events, including death, to personal fault. This rationale aids caregivers in providing comfort tailored to the preschooler’s emotional perspective.
Choice B rationale
Preschoolers typically lack awareness of physical body changes during terminal illness, as their understanding focuses on immediate experiences rather than internal health alterations. Their concrete thinking inhibits abstract comprehension of physiological processes, rendering this response less accurate in predicting their reaction to death.
Choice C rationale
Understanding death's permanence is beyond preschoolers’ cognitive development. Their magical thinking often leads them to believe death is reversible or temporary. Cognitive maturity to grasp concepts of finality emerges later, around school age, so they do not perceive death as permanent during this stage.
Choice D rationale
Feelings of isolation are more common in older children and adolescents due to their advanced emotional maturity and social complexities. Preschoolers, rooted in egocentric thought, primarily seek comfort through caregiver presence and reassurance, making isolation a less typical reaction in this developmental stage.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Leaving the television on during the night may cause overstimulation and disrupt the child’s need for quiet, structured environments, which are essential for managing autism-related sensory sensitivities, especially pre-surgery.
Choice B rationale
Minimizing physical contact helps respect sensory processing issues common in autism. Overwhelming tactile input may exacerbate agitation, so maintaining a calm and sensory-friendly environment is critical in healthcare interactions.
Choice C rationale
Placing the child in a semiprivate room may expose them to more sensory stimuli, reducing the personalized care necessary for children with autism who often need minimized distractions for emotional regulation and security.
Choice D rationale
Maintaining eye contact during agitation can be perceived as confrontational and may escalate the child’s distress. Alternative soothing techniques should focus on reducing environmental stressors without direct provocative interactions.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Reassuring the adolescent that the abuse is not their fault helps alleviate feelings of guilt and self-blame. This is crucial for their emotional recovery, as victims of abuse often internalize responsibility for their mistreatment.
Choice B rationale
While the statement acknowledges the inappropriateness of physical punishment, it risks escalating the adolescent’s distress by focusing on the parent's actions rather than providing support. The priority is to validate the adolescent’s feelings and ensure safety.
Choice C rationale
Maintaining confidentiality in cases of abuse is not appropriate, as mandatory reporting laws require disclosure to protect the adolescent and prevent further harm. Prioritizing their safety is paramount, even if it involves breaking confidentiality.
Choice D rationale
Speculating about the other parent’s actions could lead to additional distress for the adolescent and diverts focus from addressing their immediate needs. Providing support and ensuring safety should remain the primary focus in such situations.
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