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Question

Difficulty: MediumDevelopmental Stages and Transitions

An adolescent client, aged 15, is admitted to the inpatient pediatric oncology unit for induction chemotherapy. The client expresses frustration about missing the upcoming high school homecoming dance and refuses to speak with visiting family members. Which nursing intervention best promotes the client's psychosocial development during this hospitalization?

  1. Facilitate a connection between the client and a peer support group of other hospitalized teens.Answer
  2. B
    Implement a daily structured schedule with a sticker chart for completing hygiene tasks.
  3. C
    Encourage the parents to remain at the bedside continuously to prevent separation anxiety.
  4. D
    Allow the client to handle and manipulate clean syringes and tubing before procedures.

Answer

Facilitate a connection between the client and a peer support group of other hospitalized teens.
Adolescents (ages 12 to 18) are in Erikson's stage of Identity vs. Role Confusion. Their primary psychosocial task is developing a sense of self and personal identity, which is heavily influenced by peer relationships. Hospitalization can isolate teens from their normal social circles, leading to frustration, anger, and withdrawal from parents as they seek independence. Facilitating connections with peers who are facing similar health challenges provides vital emotional support, normalizes their experience, and actively promotes their developmental milestones.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the client's current age and corresponding psychosocial developmental stage.
The client is 15 years old, placing them in Erikson's stage of Identity vs. Role Confusion.
Developmental stage determines what stressors are most impactful and which interventions are most effective.
2
Analyze the client's behavior and statements in the context of their developmental stage.
The frustration over missing a school dance and withdrawing from family reflects the adolescent's primary focus on peer relationships and growing need for independence.
Understanding the root cause of the behavior guides the selection of targeted psychosocial support.
3
Evaluate the nursing interventions to select the one that meets the adolescent's specific psychosocial needs.
Connecting the client with a peer support group addresses the need for peer belonging, whereas the other options target younger developmental stages.
Appropriate nursing care must match the client's cognitive and psychosocial maturity level.

Key Concept

Erikson's Psychosocial Development: Identity vs. Role Confusion in Adolescence
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Developmental Stages and Transitions

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