The nurse is beginning an assessment interview with an 8-year-old child who has been brought in for counseling by parents. When beginning the interview, which question would be most appropriate for the nurse to ask first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When assessing a school-aged child, the nurse should begin the interview with a broad opening question that addresses the child's understanding of why he or she is there. This question often helps to identify children's misperceptions that could create barriers to working with him or her. Asking about how the child is feeling or the child's age would occur later in the interview. Asking the child why he or she is being interviewed alone opens the door for misinterpretation and promotes feelings of isolation that could lead to increased anxiety.

The Nurse Is Beginning an Assessment Interview with an 8-Year-Old