Health Promotion and Maintenance
13. In developing a plan of care for a hospitalized preschooler, a nurse recognizes that it is most essential to consider:
Health Promotion and Maintenance
13. In developing a plan of care for a hospitalized preschooler, a nurse recognizes that it is most essential to consider:
. That the child may believe the hospitalization is a punishment.
. Ways to provide visitation from peers.
. How to incorporate play activities with other children.
. Ways to promote privacy and independence.
Test-Taking Tip
Recall that preschoolers are magical thinkers and may create their own explanations for events. Only one option reflects this developmental theory, making it the best answer.
Content Area: Child Health, Hospitalization; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Analysis; Cognitive Level: Analysis; Client Need/Subneed: Health Promotion and Maintenance/Developmental Stages and Transitions
Health Promotion and Maintenance
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Answer 1 is correct because preschoolers may perceive hospitalization as a punishment. The nurse should create a plan of care that reassures the child and helps the child understand the reasons for hospitalization. Answer 2 is incorrect because providing peer visitation is a high priority for adolescents. Preschoolers are most concerned with having parents present during hospitalization. Answer 3 is incorrect because, although preschoolers should be provided play opportunities, group play is most essential for the school-age child who craves interaction with children of the same age. Answer 4 is incorrect because privacy and independence are most important to adolescents.