Question

A mother of a hospitalized 3-year-old girl expresses concern because her daughter is wetting the bed. What should the nurse tell her? a) "It's common for a child to exhibit regressive behavior when anxious or stressed." b) "Your child is probably angry about being hospitalized. This is her way of acting out." c) "Don't worry. It's common for a 3-year-old child to not be fully toilet-trained." d) "The nurses probably haven't been answering the call button soon enough. They will try to respond more quickly."

Answer 1

The nurse should reassure the mother that her child's bedwetting is a typical form of regressive behavior when a child is experiencing stress or anxiety, such as hospitalization. Regression is a common response to stress, and the child should be shown understanding and patience. If the issue continues for a long time or greatly concerns the parents, they should seek professional guidance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best response that a nurse could give to a mother who is concerned because her hospitalized 3-year-old girl is wetting the bed would be option a): "It's common for a child to exhibit regressive behavior when anxious or stressed."

Regression, where a child goes back to acting in a way they have outgrown, is a common response to stress, and being shown kindness and understanding helps immensely to overcome this temporary setback. It's essential, however, to note that while the child's behaviour might be understandable given the circumstances, professional guidance should be sought if the issue persists for an extended period or seriously concerns the parents.

Learn more about Regressive Behavior