Question

A nurse is caring for a 5-year-old girl with depression. The girl is having difficulty coping

with her feelings of sadness and fear, which stem from her parents' separation and recent divorce. The girl has been prescribed antidepressant medication but the mother thinks the girl would benefit from therapy. The nurse anticipates a referral to a therapist specializing in which type of therapy?
A) Individual therapy
B) Play therapy
C) Behavioral therapy
D) Hypnosis

Answer 1

The nurse would anticipate a referral to a therapist specializing in play therapy for a 5-year-old girl with depression, as it allows children to express emotions and cope through developmental play.

Step-by-step explanation:

When caring for a 5-year-old girl with depression who is experiencing sadness and fear due to her parents' separation and recent divorce, a nurse would anticipate a referral to a therapist specializing in play therapy (Option B). This type of therapy is particularly effective for young children, as it uses play to help them express their emotions and coping skills in a way that is developmentally appropriate. In contrast, individual therapy may often involve more direct conversation, which can be challenging for young children to engage in effectively concerning emotional issues. Behavioral therapy focuses on changing negative behaviors and thought patterns, which might also be beneficial, but play therapy is specifically tailored to younger children. Hypnosis (Option D) is not a commonly used method for children with depression.