Question

The nurse is preparing a 5-year-old for a tonsillectomy. The nurse should recognize that the preschool aged child: A. Is not interested in explanations about his body B. Fears the loss of his body's integrity C. Is able to conceptualize his feelings D. Pays little attention to environmental changes

Short answer

Answer: B. Fears the loss of his body's integrity.

Step-by-step solution

Evaluate the statements

Read through each of the statements given and see which one aligns with our understanding of a 5-year-old child's characteristics and mindset. A. Is not interested in explanations about his body. B. Fears the loss of his body's integrity. C. Is able to conceptualize his feelings. D. Pays little attention to environmental changes.

Analyze Statement A

Preschool-aged children are characterized by curiosity, and they begin to ask questions about their bodies and how they function. So, statement A is not accurate.

Analyze Statement B

At this age, children start understanding the concept of the body being a whole entity, and any injury or procedure might lead them to develop a fear of losing their body's integrity. So, statement B seems accurate.

Analyze Statement C

Young children at this age have not yet developed the cognitive ability to fully conceptualize their feelings. Although they may express emotions, they lack the vocabulary and abstract thinking required to conceptualize their feelings. Therefore, statement C is not accurate.

Analyze Statement D

Preschool-aged children are sensitive to environmental changes and may find it difficult to adapt to a new environment. This statement is true, but it doesn't directly relate to the context of the child preparing for a tonsillectomy.

Choose the most accurate statement

After analyzing all the statements, it is clear that statement B, "Fears the loss of his body's integrity," is the most accurate and relevant statement for a preschool-aged child preparing for a tonsillectomy. The correct answer is B. Fears the loss of his body's integrity.