A nurse is collecting data from a 6-year-old child who has experienced violence at school. Which of the following data collection strategies should the nurse use?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Have the child carefully repeat the events of the trauma: Asking a young child to recount traumatic events can retraumatize them and is unlikely to yield accurate information due to developmental limitations. B. Interview the child without caregiver present: While some information may need to be gathered privately, involving caregivers can provide comfort and support unless the caregiver is suspected of being involved in the violence. C. Have toys or drawing materials available for the child. Using toys or drawing materials provides a non-threatening way for the child to express their feelings and experiences, as children often communicate better through play or art rather than direct verbal interaction. D. Focus on the physical domain of health: While physical health is important, the emotional and psychological effects of trauma are equally critical to address.