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What is the best way for the nurse to advise a mother worried about her 2-year-old child's reaction to her leaving the hospital briefly?

  1. Tell Maria that you need to get Christie and you will be back when lunch is over and Dora the Explorer comes on TV

  2. Tell Maria that you need to leave to get Christie and if she doesn't cry, you will bring her a surprise

  3. Wait until Maria starts her nap and quietly sneak out. You'll be back before she wakes up

  4. I'll distract Maria while you leave, we'll bring her a special toy to keep her entertained

The correct answer is: Tell Maria that you need to get Christie and you will be back when lunch is over and Dora the Explorer comes on TV

Advising the mother that she needs to leave briefly with a clear indication of when she will return, such as after lunch and during a specific TV show, is an effective approach to help ease the child's anxiety. This method provides the child with a tangible timeframe, allowing her to understand that the separation is temporary. By mentioning familiar routines like lunchtime and a favorite show, the nurse reinforces a sense of security and normalcy for the child. It establishes a connection based on the child’s familiarity with her environment, which can reduce fear and anxiety associated with separation. Using the context of a TV show that the child enjoys helps anchor her expectations and provides a comforting distraction. This strategy aligns well with developmental understanding at the age of 2, as children at this stage can begin to grasp simple concepts of time and routine. It promotes reassurance for both the child and the mother, as the mother will feel more at ease knowing her child has a frame of reference for when she will return. The other options, while aiming to provide comfort, do not offer the same level of reassurance or predictability. For example, promising a surprise for not crying could inadvertently create anxiety about the child's emotional response, while sneaking out risks further distress if the child feels abandoned