While making morning rounds on the pediatric unit, the nurse encounters a frustrated parent. The parent's 8-year-old child, who was admitted yesterday for acute respiratory distress, has wet the hospital bed overnight despite being completely toilet trained for several years. The parent asks, "Why is my child acting like a baby again?" What is the most therapeutic response by the nurse?
- Children often return to earlier behaviors when hospitalized due to the stress of the illness.Answer
- BWhy do you think your child is suddenly wetting the bed again?
- CPlease do not worry; I am sure this is just a one-time accident and it will not happen again.
- DThis behavior suggests your child is failing to meet appropriate cognitive developmental milestones.
Answer
The correct response educates the parent that the child is experiencing regression, a common and temporary defense mechanism used to cope with the severe stress and anxiety of hospitalization.
The correct statement accurately identifies the child's behavior as regression, an adaptive but temporary defense mechanism where an individual reverts to an earlier developmental stage to cope with severe stress or anxiety. By explaining this to the parent factually and empathetically, the nurse provides therapeutic education and reduces parental frustration.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Regression as a Coping Mechanism in Pediatrics