The parent of an 8-year-old client asks the nurse for guidance on how to help the client cope with the recent death of the other parent. When developing a response to the parent, the nurse considers that a school-aged child is most likely to do what?

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11ecbb05_caba_e879_b433_859b2701cdd8_MD0009_00 Understanding a child's perception of illness and death can empower caregivers (eg, parents) to support the child during the loss of a loved one. A child's developmental stage as well as the caregiver's view of death and relationship with the child will influence coping during bereavement. The nurse should educate the parent of an 8-year-old client about how to assist with coping based on the knowledge that school-aged children (age 6-12 years) most likely have both a curiosity and fear about the implications of death (eg, process of dying, funeral services) and understand that death is permanent (Option D). Therefore, it is important for the parents to be honest during discussions about death, talk about the lost loved one, and provide anticipatory guidance to reduce fears. (Option A) Infants (age 1-12 months) and toddlers (age 12-36 months) mostly react to separation from caregivers, both temporary and permanent, because it affects daily routines. (Option B) A child will most likely be aware that death affects everyone and also perceive it as evil by age 10-12 years. (Option C) Adolescents are most likely to think about the religious and spiritual aspects of death, although this may occur earlier for some children. Educational objective: The nurse should understand how children perceive illness and death within each age group to provide guidance for caregivers. School-aged clients most likely understand the concrete finality of death and are curious and fearful about its implications (eg, process of dying, funeral services).

The Parent of an 8-Year-Old Client Asks the Nurse for Guidance