A child with a high level of school absenteeism has been determined to have school phobia. The school nurse should counsel the child's parent/caregiver to take which action?

Question

A child with a high level of school absenteeism has been determined to have school phobia.  The school nurse should counsel the child's parent/caregiver to take which action?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

School phobia (also known as school refusal or school avoidance) is a childhood anxiety disorder in which the child experiences an irrational and persistent fear of going to school. Having the child return to school immediately is the best approach for resolving school phobia and is associated with a faster recovery. If necessary, gradual exposure to the school environment can be implemented; the child can attend school for a few hours and then gradually increase the time to a full day. A gradual approach may decrease the child's sensitization to the classroom. If the child is allowed to remain out of school, the problem will only worsen, with potential deterioration of academic performance and social relationships. (Option A) Allowing the child to stay home will only reinforce the acting-out behaviors associated with refusal to attend school. The parent/caregiver needs to support the child and talk about the cause of the anxiety, but the child needs to go to school. (Option B) Having the parent/caregiver stay in the classroom with the child is not a permanent solution to relieving the child's anxiety and is not recommended. (Option D) Determining the cause of the school phobia is important in helping to alleviate the child's symptoms and in coping with the return to school. However, returning the child to the classroom immediately is the most important action. Educational objective: A child with school phobia needs to return to the classroom immediately. Insisting on school attendance, along with other supportive interventions, will help the child make a faster adjustment.

A Child with a High Level of School Absenteeism Has