A nurse is caring for a child who has terminal cancer. Which of the following responses by the child’s school-age brother should the nurse expect?

Choice A reason: Reversibility is a preschool (3-5) belief, not school-age (6-12), where permanence is grasped. Scientifically, this mismatches developmental grief stages, as school-age children understand death’s finality, making this less expected in an older sibling’s response.Choice B reason: Alienating from peers is common in school-age grief, as sadness or guilt isolates them socially. Scientifically, this aligns with developmental psychology, where peer withdrawal reflects processing loss inwardly, a typical reaction to a sibling’s terminal illness.Choice C reason: Bad behavior causing death is magical thinking, typical of preschoolers, not school-age kids who reason logically. Scientifically, this regresses below their cognitive stage, making it less likely than social withdrawal in grief responses.Choice D reason: Regression (e.g., bedwetting) occurs more in younger children under stress, less in school-age. Scientifically, older kids cope via isolation or questions, not developmental backsliding, making this less characteristic than peer alienation in this age group.