An 8-year-old girl has been uncooperative and angry since the diagnosis of cancer was made.Her parents tell the nurse that they do not know what to do "because she is always so mad at us." What nursing action is most appropriate at this time?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To school-age children,chronic illness and dying represent a loss of control.This threat to their sense of security and ego strength can be manifested by verbal uncooperativeness.The child can be viewed as impolite,insolent,and stubborn.The best intervention is to encourage children to talk about feelings and give control where possible.Verbal explanations would not be "heard" by the child.The child may not be cognizant of the anger.Ignoring the anger will not help the child gain some control over the events.

An 8-Year-Old Girl Has Been Uncooperative and Angry Since the Diagnosis