An important nursing goal in caring for the hospitalized child is to minimize the negative developmental effects of illness and hospitalization. What would be the nurse's primary focus while caring for a hospitalized 10-month-old infant?

A. Concerns about loss of control and body image are more common in older children, particularly school-aged children. B. Fear of the unknown and being left alone is more characteristic of preschoolers or older children. C. While infants may experience pain, their primary fear is separation from caregivers. D. At 10 months, infants are in a stage where separation anxiety is prominent. Fear of strangers and distress due to separation from caregivers is a significant developmental challenge for hospitalized infants.