Which age related fear would the nurse expect when preparing a 4 year old child for surgery?

Choice A rationale Adult strangers are a source of anxiety for many young children, but the fear of intrusive procedures is generally more pronounced and age-appropriate for a 4 year old facing surgery. The preschool-age child (3-5 years) is developing a sense of body integrity and is highly sensitive to any procedure that threatens to "break" the skin or enter the body, which aligns with magical thinking. Choice B rationale Separation anxiety is most intense during infancy and the toddler years (around 8 months to 3 years). By 4 years old, while still a concern, the primary fear shifts toward body injury, mutilation, or intrusive procedures, as the child is more aware of their body and the purpose of the surgical intervention. Choice C rationale Disruption of routines can cause distress in preschool children as they seek structure and predictability, but it is typically not the most intense fear associated with the actual surgical event. The fear of bodily harm or damage caused by the procedure itself is the overwhelming and prevalent fear for this age group, who lack understanding of anatomy. Choice D rationale Preschool-age children (4 years old) have concrete thinking and a limited understanding of anatomy and body function. They fear intrusive procedures because they believe their internal body contents may leak out or that they will be permanently damaged or mutilated. This fear of body integrity being violated is the most common and intense age-related fear at this stage when facing surgery.