The nurse is assessing a child with sickle-cell anemia. Which assessment finding is consistent with this child's diagnosis?

A. Minimally invasive surgery is not the standard treatment for plagiocephaly. Surgical intervention is typically reserved for rare, severe, or syndromic cases where conservative measures fail or cranial deformities are extreme. Most infants respond well to non-surgical interventions if identified early.
B. Placing an infant on their back is critical for SIDS prevention, but strict supine positioning can contribute to positional plagiocephaly. Therefore, treatment focuses on repositioning the infant during awake periods, encouraging tummy time, and limiting prolonged supine positioning when the infant is awake and supervised, to promote symmetrical skull growth.
C. Helmet therapy, also called cranial orthosis, is considered the most effective intervention for moderate to severe plagiocephaly. The helmet works by gently guiding skull growth as the infant’s skull is still malleable, usually between 4–12 months of age. Infants typically wear the helmet for 23 hours a day, with adjustments made every few weeks by a specialist to ensure proper fit and effectiveness. This therapy is non-invasive, reduces cranial asymmetry, and avoids the need for surgery in most cases. Parents are also instructed on monitoring skin integrity, proper cleaning, and follow-up appointments to track progress.
D. Hospitalization and surgery are unnecessary for standard positional plagiocephaly. Surgical correction is extremely rare and only indicated for congenital cranial malformations or syndromes that do not respond to conservative management.

A. School-aged children (ages 6–12) are in Erikson’s stage of Industry vs. Inferiority, during which they develop a sense of competence through achievement, skill mastery, and productive activities. Participating in organized sports or extracurricular activities allows children to practice skills, receive recognition, work in teams, and gain confidence, all of which support healthy psychosocial development and a sense of industry.

B. Concern with attractiveness is incorrect because this is more characteristic of the adolescent stage (Identity vs. Role Confusion), when children focus on body image, self-identity, and peer acceptance.

C. Wants to please parents is incorrect because preschool-aged children (ages 3–6) in Initiative vs. Guilt often seek parental approval. While school-aged children still value adult feedback, their primary focus shifts toward competence and peer recognition rather than parental approval alone.

D. Makes up games is incorrect because inventing games is typical of the preschool stage (Initiative vs. Guilt), when children engage in imaginative and symbolic play. School-aged children move toward structured play and rule-based activities, reflecting cognitive growth and industry development.