A 4-year-old boy is hospitalized with a serious bacterial infection. He tells the nurse that he is sick because he was "bad." What is the nurse's best interpretation of this comment?
a. Sign of stress
b. Common at this age
c. Suggestive of maladaptation
d. Suggestive of excessive discipline at home
ANS: B
Preschoolers cannot understand the cause and effect of illness. Their egocentrism makes them think they are directly responsible for events, making them feel guilt for things outside of their control. Children of this age react to stress by regressing developmentally or acting out. Maladaptation is unlikely. This comment does not imply excessive discipline at home.
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