A 3-year-old who has been attending preschool has been diagnosed with leukemia. The caregivers of this child ask the nurse what they can do to help their child feel secure. Which recommendation could the nurse make to these caregivers that would be helpful in making the child feel secure?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A reason: Play dates maintain social contact but disrupt the 3-year-old’s preschool routine, which provides stability. Continuing preschool supports normalcy and security, making this less effective and incorrect compared to maintaining the familiar structure of school for a child with leukemia. Choice B reason: Keeping the child home for one-on-one time may isolate her, reducing social interaction critical for a 3-year-old’s security. Preschool attendance fosters normalcy, making this overly restrictive and incorrect compared to supporting the child’s routine and social needs during leukemia treatment. Choice C reason: Continuing preschool as much as possible maintains routine and social connections, fostering security for a 3-year-old with leukemia. This aligns with pediatric psychosocial care for chronic illness, making it the correct recommendation to help the child feel secure during her treatment. Choice D reason: Special family outings are bonding but disrupt the 3-year-old’s preschool routine, which provides consistent security. Continuing school is more stabilizing, making this less consistent and incorrect compared to maintaining the child’s normal preschool environment to support her sense of security.