A nurse is providing care to a 2-year-old and has noted negativism.
Which statement by the nurse to the toddler will help decrease negativism when administering medications to the toddler?
You can take your medicine in the blue or green cup.
Can you take your medicine now?
Do you want to take your medicine?
You need to take your medicine.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Giving the toddler a choice between two cups helps to decrease negativism by providing options that still achieve the desired outcome, thereby reducing the likelihood of refusal.
Choice B rationale
Asking the child to take medicine now offers no real choice and is likely to be met with resistance, which is characteristic of negativism in toddlers.
Choice C rationale
This question is too open-ended and can easily be refused, as it does not provide a sense of control or choice for the toddler.
Choice D rationale
Telling the child they "need" to take medicine is directive and authoritarian, which often triggers negativism and a refusal.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
This choice offers the toddler control and options within boundaries. By allowing the child to choose between two cups, it reduces the power struggle inherent in negativism, where the child often says "no" to assert independence.
Choice B rationale
This choice presents a direct option of now or later, which may still lead to refusal due to the toddler's negativism. Toddlers often respond better to choices that are less direct.
Choice C rationale
Asking if the child can take the medicine is likely to result in a "no" due to the nature of negativism at this developmental stage. It does not give the toddler a sense of control or choice.
Choice D rationale
Asking the child to be "good" places a moral judgment on taking the medicine, which is not developmentally appropriate and may lead to resistance.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The Industry vs. Inferiority stage, according to Erikson, occurs from age 6 to puberty, where children focus on learning, developing skills, and striving for competence. A 20-month-old
child is not yet in this stage.
Choice B rationale
The Trust vs. Mistrust stage is the earliest stage in Erikson's theory, occurring from birth to about 18 months. While a 20-month-old child has recently transitioned out of this stage, it
is not the stage applicable to their current developmental phase.
Choice C rationale
The Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt stage occurs from approximately 18 months to 3 years. At 20 months, children are striving for independence, making choices, and developing a
sense of self-control, which is characteristic of this stage.
Choice D rationale
The Initiative vs. Guilt stage occurs from ages 3 to 6 years, where children begin to assert power and control through directing play and other social interactions. A 20-month-old child
is not in this stage yet.