A nurse is collecting data on a preschooler whose parent has recently died. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A reason: Reporting tightness in the chest is more typical of older children, adolescents, or adults who can verbalize somatic symptoms of grief. Preschoolers often lack the cognitive and verbal ability to describe grief in physical terms such as chest tightness. Choice B reason: Depending on friends for emotional support is characteristic of older children or adolescents who have developed peer relationships as coping mechanisms. Preschoolers are still primarily dependent on caregivers for emotional regulation and support, not peers. Choice C reason: High-risk behaviors, such as substance use or reckless activities, are associated with adolescents or adults coping maladaptively with grief. Preschoolers do not typically display high-risk behaviors; their grief manifests in attachment-related behaviors. Choice D reason: Clinging to their caregiver is a common grief response in preschool-aged children. At this developmental stage, children rely heavily on caregivers for security and comfort. Loss of a parent increases fear of abandonment, leading to clinginess, separation anxiety, and regression in behavior. This is the expected finding for a preschooler experiencing grief.