A nurse assisting with the care of a child whose guardians report that the child is consistently unable to speak during class and other social situations. The nurse should identify that the child is experiencing which of the following anxiety disorders?

A. Separation anxiety disorder involves excessive fear or anxiety about being away from attachment figures, such as parents or caregivers. The primary issue is distress when separated, not inability to speak in social situations, so this is incorrect. B. Selective mutism is correct. selective mutism is an anxiety disorder in which a child consistently fails to speak in specific social situations (e.g., at school) despite speaking in other settings (e.g., at home). The behavior is not due to lack of knowledge or comfort with the language but is driven by anxiety, fitting the scenario described. C. Agoraphobia is characterized by intense fear of being in situations where escape may be difficult or help might not be available, such as crowds or open spaces. It does not specifically involve inability to speak in social situations, making it an incorrect choice. D. Generalized anxiety disorder involves excessive and persistent worry about multiple aspects of daily life, such as school performance, family matters, or health. It does not typically manifest as selective failure to speak in certain social settings, so this is not the correct answer.