Question

When developing a care plan for a hospitalized child, the nurse knows that children in which age-group are most likely to view illness as a punishment for misdeeds?

1. Infancy
2. Preschool age
3. School age
4. Adolescence

Answer 1

Preschool-age children (ages 3-6) are most likely to view illness as a punishment for misdeeds due to the developmental task of initiative versus guilt.

Step-by-step explanation:

When developing a care plan for a hospitalized child, the nurse knows that children in the preschool age group (ages 3-6) are most likely to view illness as a punishment for misdeeds. According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, preschool children must resolve the task of initiative versus guilt, where they learn to plan and achieve goals. If their initiatives are misfired or stifled by over-controlling parents, they may develop feelings of guilt. This can lead them to perceive illness as a punishment for their perceived misdeeds.