During a well-child visit with a 4-year-old girl the nurse notes that the parents speaks harshly to the child and used negative remarks when speaking with the nurse. Which statement by the nurse would be beneficial in this situation?

Question

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. Addressing the child, the nurse says, "Are you unhappy when mommy talks to you like this?"
4. "Let's talk privately. We should discuss the way you speak with your child and possible ways to be more positive."

Answer 1

4
Explanation:
1. Since the child is only 4 years old, it would be difficult to ask the parent to leave the room. If the nurse wants to speak alone with the child, it would be best to escort the child to another area and speak briefly with the child.
2. Referring to counseling without a discussion with the parent is not appropriate.
3. The nurse should not ask the child if she is "unhappy" with the parent.
4. 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.