Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition - Mental Health Assessment of Children and Adolescents Related

Review Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition - Mental Health Assessment of Children and Adolescents related questions and content

The nurse is preparing to interview a 6-year-old girl and her mother in an outpatient psychiatric setting. To establish a treatment alliance with the child, the nurse should:

  • A. Tell the child she watches Sesame Street all the time.
  • B. Talk to the child while standing up and looking down at her.
  • C. Tell the child that this must be a bit scary for her.
  • D. Ask the parent if the child can be interviewed alone.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Acknowledging the child?s potential fear (C) validates her emotions, fostering trust and a treatment alliance. Claiming to watch Sesame Street (A) may seem inauthentic, standing over the child (B) is intimidating, and interviewing alone (D) may be premature for a young child.