A nurse is caring for a preschooler who recently experienced the death of a parent. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as consistent with this age group?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Preschoolers often think in magical or egocentric ways and may believe that death is a punishment for something they or others did wrong. This belief reflects their developmental stage, where they may not understand the abstract concept of death and may interpret it in relation to their own actions or behaviors. B. Preschoolers may have difficulty understanding the permanence of death. They might think that the deceased parent will wake up eventually or return, as their grasp on the concept of permanence is not fully developed. C. While preschoolers may be curious about many things, including new experiences, their understanding of a funeral and its significance may be limited. They might not fully grasp the meaning behind the service but may ask questions out of curiosity. D. Preschoolers typically do not have a concrete understanding of the concept of death or the inevitability of death for everyone. Their understanding is usually very limited and concrete, so this would not be consistent with their developmental stage.