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The nurse is performing a mental health assessment on a 5-year-old girl. Her parents are in the middle of a bitter divorce and are worried about the effect it is having on their daughter. Which of the following might lead the nurse to be concerned about the girl's mental health?

  • A. She clings to her mother whenever the nurse is in the room.
  • B. She appears angry and will not make eye contact with the nurse.
  • C. Her mother states that the girl has begun to ride a tricycle around their yard.
  • D. Her mother states that her daughter prefers to play with toddlers instead of kids her own age while in daycare.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because it indicates a potential concern about the girl's mental health. This behavior may suggest a difficulty in socializing with peers of her own age, which could be a sign of emotional distress or developmental issues. This is concerning in the context of her parents' bitter divorce.

A: Clinging to her mother is a common behavior for a child going through a stressful situation, so it may not necessarily indicate a mental health issue.
B: Appearing angry and avoiding eye contact could also be a normal reaction to stress or discomfort.
C: Riding a tricycle is a typical activity for a 5-year-old and may not directly relate to mental health concerns.