Test Bank for Essentials of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Communication Approach to Evidence-Based Care, 4e 4th Edition - Children and Adolescents Related

Review Test Bank for Essentials of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Communication Approach to Evidence-Based Care, 4e 4th Edition - Children and Adolescents related questions and content

A 4-year-old child cries and screams from the time the parents leave the child at preschool until the child is picked up 4 hours later. The child is calm and relaxed when the parents are present. The parents ask, 'What should we do?' What is the nurse's best recommendation?

  • A. Send a picture of yourself to school to keep with the child.
  • B. Arrange with the teacher to let the child call home at playtime.
  • C. Talk with the school about withdrawing the child until maturity increases.
  • D. Talk with your health care provider about a referral to a mental health professional.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Separation anxiety disorder becomes apparent when the child is separated from the attachment figure. The symptoms are considered normal up to age 1. Often, the first-time separation occurs when the child goes to kindergarten or nursery school. Separation anxiety may be based on the child's fear that something will happen to the attachment figure. The child needs professional help. None of the distractors accounts for the severity and length of the child's reaction.