A nurse observes the parent–child interaction during the 6-year-old well-child checkup and notes that the parent speaks harshly to the child and uses negative remarks when speaking with the nurse

Question

Which statement by the nurse would be most beneficial? 1. "Perhaps you should leave the room so that I can speak with your child privately."
2. "I am going to refer you for counseling, since your interactions with your child seem so negative."
3. "Let's talk privately. Let's discuss the way you speak with your child, and possible ways to be more positive."

4. Addressing the child, the nurse says, "Are you unhappy when Mommy talks to you like
this?"

Answer 1

3

Rationale:
1. Since the child is only 6 years old, it would be difficult to ask the parent to leave the room. If the nurse wants to speak alone with the child, the nurse perhaps would escort the child to another area and speak briefly with the child.
2. It is not appropriate to refer them to counseling without a discussion with the parent.
3. The best approach to this encounter would be for the nurse to discuss concerns with the parent privately, since the nurse wants to help the parent develop a good relationship with the child. The child should not be a part of this conversation.
4. The nurse should not ask the child if she is "unhappy" with the parent.