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?

Choice A reason: Focusing only on the physical domain of health limits the assessment and overlooks emotional, psychological, and developmental impacts of violence. While physical health is important, trauma affects multiple domains, and a narrow focus would miss critical aspects of the child’s experience. Choice B reason: Providing toys or drawing materials is an effective strategy for children, as it allows them to express feelings and experiences in a non-threatening, age-appropriate way. Play and art are therapeutic tools that help children communicate when verbal expression is difficult. This approach supports accurate data collection and reduces anxiety during the assessment. Choice C reason: Asking the child to carefully repeat traumatic events can be harmful and retraumatizing. Children may struggle to articulate experiences and forcing repetition can increase distress. Instead, the nurse should use gentle, supportive methods that allow the child to share at their own pace without pressure. Choice D reason: Interviewing the child without the caregiver present is important to ensure the child feels safe to disclose information. Caregivers may unintentionally or intentionally influence the child’s responses, especially if they are involved in the violence. A private interview fosters trust and allows the nurse to gather accurate information about the child’s experiences.