A nurse is caring for a 9-year-old child who has a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and tells the nurse that he is eager to return to school and participate in sports. The mother tells the nurse that she is afraid to let her take part in physical activities at school. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A. This response dismisses the parent’s concerns and limits the child’s social and developmental opportunities. It does not address the underlying feelings or provide guidance on safe participation in school or sports. B. Labeling the parent as “overprotective” is judgmental and may make the parent feel defensive. It does not encourage open communication or validate her concerns. C. While well-being is important, this response does not explore the parent’s feelings or provide education about safely managing diabetes during physical activity. It may inadvertently reinforce anxiety rather than support informed decision-making. D. This response is therapeutic and open-ended, encouraging the parent to express her concerns and emotions. It allows the nurse to assess the parent’s understanding, provide education about safe diabetes management during school and sports, and collaborate on strategies to promote the child’s participation while minimizing risk. This approach supports both parental reassurance and the child’s psychosocial development.