A nurse is collecting a health history from the guardian of a 4-year-old child. Which of the following statements by the guardian is the priority for the nurse to address?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A reason: Withdrawal after a day care switch may signal emotional distress or adjustment issues in a 4-year-old, potentially indicating anxiety or trauma. This behavioral change has psychosocial implications, prioritizing it for assessment, as it could affect development more acutely than physical habits per child psychology evidence.Choice B reason: Repetitive questioning is normal for 4-year-olds, reflecting curiosity or language development, not a health priority. It lacks urgency compared to withdrawal, which may indicate deeper issues. Scientifically, this aligns with typical cognitive growth, not warranting immediate intervention over potential emotional distress signals.Choice C reason: Bedwetting twice weekly at age 4 is within normal developmental variation, often resolving naturally. It’s less urgent than withdrawal, which could indicate psychological harm. Physiologically, bladder control matures later in some children, making this a lower priority per pediatric developmental norms.Choice D reason: Difficulty eating vegetables is common in preschoolers due to taste preferences or neophobia, not a health crisis. It’s less critical than withdrawal, which may reflect emotional issues. Nutritionally, this can be addressed gradually, lacking the immediate psychosocial urgency of behavioral changes per evidence.