The nurse is caring for an 8-year-old child in the school nurse's office because the child received a bloody nose in a scuffle with another child during recess. The nurse discovers that the child's parents have recently divorced. The nurse recognizes that the child's behavior is a demonstration of what?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Children don't express their grief in the same way as adults do. Unpredictable acting out behaviors, withdrawal, anger, fear, and crying are common grief responses for this age group. While grief counseling is appropriate, the child's behavior doesn't present an urgent need. This behavior is not a demonstration of denial since it is disruptive. The parent's divorce suggests that the behavior is something else besides normal testing of boundaries.

The Nurse Is Caring for an 8-Year-Old Child in the School