A nurse is caring for a four-year-old child who has been hospitalized multiple times for leukemia. After observing the child using several coping mechanisms, the nurse designs a plan of care that includes
Explanation
• Therapeutic play is a great way for the child to act out past experiences and feelings to reduce the trauma and anxiety related to hospitalization.
• Incorrect: Placing the child on psychiatric medication isn't appropriate unless the child has a psychiatric illness.
• Incorrect: Focusing on the future is insensitive and inappropriate.
• Incorrect: Talk therapy (like psychodynamic therapy) is developmentally inappropriate at a young age. Play therapy is more appropriate for this developmental stage.