A 4-year-old child is hospitalized with a serious bacterial infection. The child tells the nurse that he is sick because he was "bad." Which is the nurse's best interpretation of this comment?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Preschoolers cannot understand the cause and effect of illness. Their egocentrism makes them think they are directly responsible for events, making them feel guilty for things outside their control. Children of this age show stress by regressing developmentally or acting out. Maladaptation is unlikely. Telling the nurse that he is sick because he was "bad" does not imply excessive discipline at home.

A 4-Year-Old Child Is Hospitalized with a Serious Bacterial Infection