Question

Difficulty: MediumDevelopmental Stages and Transitions

A practical nurse is caring for an 8-year-old client who is recovering from an appendectomy on a pediatric unit. When providing diversional activities, which behavior or interest should the nurse expect as most characteristic of this child's current psychosocial developmental stage?

  1. A
    Engaging in magical thinking while talking to a stuffed animal
  2. B
    Repeatedly dropping an object on the floor to watch someone retrieve it
  3. C
    Requesting complete privacy to write in a journal about future life goals
  4. Organizing a collection of favorite trading cards into a structured binderAnswer

Answer

Organizing a collection of favorite trading cards into a structured binder
The correct answer accurately reflects the behavior of an 8-year-old child. According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, children between the ages of 6 and 12 are in the 'Industry versus Inferiority' stage. During this period, children find satisfaction in successfully completing tasks, organizing items, and developing new skills. Providing activities like organizing a trading card collection perfectly supports their developmental need for industry and concrete accomplishment.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the client's developmental age group.
The client is 8 years old, placing them in the school-age developmental period (6 to 12 years).
Developmental milestones and appropriate interventions are strictly categorized by age groupings.
2
Determine the relevant psychosocial stage according to Erikson's theory of development.
School-age children are in the 'Industry versus Inferiority' stage.
Knowing the correct psychosocial stage reveals what motivates the child and what behaviors are expected.
3
Match the developmental stage to the corresponding characteristic behavior.
Children in the Industry stage derive a sense of accomplishment from mastering skills, completing projects, and organizing collections.
Applying the theoretical framework to practical clinical choices ensures age-appropriate care and diversion during recovery.

Key Concept

School-age Psychosocial Development (Industry vs. Inferiority)
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