A toilet-trained 4-year-old hospitalized for several days with an acute illness has been wetting the bed at night and is having incontinent accidents during the day. How should the nurse address the parent's concern about this behavior?
1. "Maybe your child should be seen by a specialist, just to make sure there are no physical problems."
2. "It is normal for some children to go through a stage of regression after separation from their family or after an acute illness. Try not to be too discouraged."
3. "You'll have to be very strict with discipline, so your child knows this behavior is not acceptable."
4. "I'd be upset too. It must be hard to go back to using diapers."
Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Regressive behavior is not based on physiology and, unless it lasts, would not have to be further investigated.
Rationale 2: Regression is reverting to an earlier development stage (bed-wetting, using baby talk, etc.) as part of the child's experiences with separation anxiety. Nurses can assist parents by helping them understand that this behavior is normal and will pass as the child reestablishes herself as part of the family and works through her own frustration with the situation.
Rationale 3: Strict discipline may not be the best solution over understanding and caring.
Rationale 4: This option does not provide the parents with an understanding of the root of the problem.
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