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.

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