A nurse is caring for a preschooler who is terminally ill. Which of the following reactions to death should the nurse expect?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Understands that death is permanent: Preschoolers generally do not understand the permanence of death. They may view death as temporary or reversible, as their cognitive development is still in the preoperational stage, where they are not fully able to grasp abstract concepts like the permanence of death. B. Perceives death as a punishment: Preschoolers may view death as a punishment or something they caused, due to their egocentric thinking. They may think that their actions or behaviors (e.g., being "bad") have led to death, as they often see the world from a very self-centered perspective. C. Has feelings of isolation: Feelings of isolation are more commonly seen in older children or adolescents who understand death better and may have social concerns. Preschoolers are more likely to be confused or fearful about death rather than experiencing isolation. D. Worries about physical body changes: While preschoolers may be curious about their bodies, their primary focus is usually on the emotional and social aspects of death (e.g., fear of separation from loved ones), rather than worrying about physical body changes associated with dying.