The parents of a preschool child who is experiencing pain from ear surgery inform the nurse that the child is uncharacteristically withdrawn and seems ambivalent. What is the nurse's most appropriate action?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Although parents are children's greatest source of comfort and support, children may appear ambivalent toward them, as though they blame them for pain. Encourage and support parents in such instances, helping them understand their child's response. This behavior is not likely sufficient to warrant assessment by a pediatric psychiatrist and is not likely attributable to emotional regression. Similarly, this is not a warning sign of abuse.

The Parents of a Preschool Child Who Is Experiencing Pain