The parents of a hospitalized 3-month-old have to leave the infant while they work. One parent fears that the baby will cry as soon as they walk out. The nurse teaches both parents about separation anxiety. Which statement by the parent indicates that the teaching has been effective?

Question

The parents of a hospitalized 3-month-old have to leave the infant while they work.  One parent fears that the baby will cry as soon as they walk out.  The nurse teaches both parents about separation anxiety.  Which statement by the parent indicates that the teaching has been effective?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Separation or stranger anxiety occurs when the primary caregivers leave the child in the care of others who are not familiar to the child. This behavior starts around age 6 months, peaks at age 10-18 months, and can last until age 3 years. Separation anxiety produces more stress than any other factor (eg, pain, injury, change in surroundings) for children in this age range. However, this reaction is normal and resolves as the child approaches age 3 years. A 3-month-old can be soothed by any comforting voice (Option A). (Option B) A 3-month-old is not developmentally capable of fearing abandonment. (Option C) A 3-month-old might sense a parent's anxiety but is cognitively unable to process it. (Option D) A 3-month-old cannot tell time and would not understand the concept of returning later in the day. Educational objective: Separation anxiety starts around age 6 months, peaks at age 10-18 months, and can last until age 3 years. It produces more stress than any other factor (eg, pain, injury, change in surroundings) for children in this age range. However, separation anxiety is normal and resolves by age 3 years.

The Parents of a Hospitalized 3-Month-Old Have to Leave the Infant