A school-age client presents to the pediatric clinic with a history of abdominal pain 3 to 4 mornings per week over the last 2 months. The mother states the child usually complains on school days and always seems to be better by afternoon. Which mental health disorder does the nurse suspect?
A) Separation anxiety
B) Depression
C) School phobia
D) Bipolar disorder

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described suggest the possibility of school phobia, also known as school refusal or school avoidance. This condition often manifests as physical complaints, such as stomachaches, on school days and improves when the child is allowed to stay home. Separation anxiety disorder may also present similarly, but it typically involves anxiety about being separated from a specific attachment figure, such as a parent, whereas school phobia is specific to school attendance. Depression and bipolar disorder may involve physical symptoms, but they typically do not present in the way described in this scenario.

A School-Age Client Presents to the Pediatric Clinic with a History