Growth and Development Q 42
While giving nursing care to a hospitalized adolescent, the nurse should be aware that the major threat felt by the hospitalized adolescent is
A. Fear of the unknown
B. Loss of bodily control
C. Altered body image
D. Separation from family
Correct Answer: C. Altered body image
The hospitalized adolescent may see each of these as a threat, but the major threat that they feel when hospitalized is the fear of altered body image, because of the emphasis on physical appearance. Changes in physical appearance, function, and body integrity are typically central to the experience of illness and to medical treatment. Unfortunately, dissatisfaction with body image has become more prevalent since the early 1970s, possibly due to an increase in the influence of the media.
Option A: Fear of the unknown is common among toddlers. There is so much going on in the world of a 3-year-old-so much mastery, so many things they’ve already become familiar with. At the same time, however, children this age may be disturbed by characteristics they find unfamiliar.
Option B: Adolescents may fear the loss of independence and control. Honest preparations for procedures and surgery is imperative for this age group. Let them know if any procedures or medicines will change the way their bodies look or work.
Option D: It is not unusual for 5-year-olds to still have fears about losing a parent. Separation issues that may or may not have occurred at the beginning of the school year may arise at the end of it.