A 4-Year-Old Boy Is Brought to the Office for a Routine

question 270

Multiple Choice

A 4-year-old boy is brought to the office for a routine visit.  He has no medical problems and started preschool 3 weeks ago.  The mother is concerned about his adjustment to school as he wants to stay home like his baby sister, frequently takes a long time to get dressed, and becomes upset when dropped off at school.  On the first day of school, she was embarrassed when her son stomped his feet, yelled, "Take me home," and wrapped his arms around her legs, physically preventing her from leaving the classroom.  The teacher reports that the boy settles down a few minutes after the mother leaves.  He is shy but plays with the other children and participates in all class activities.  The boy's sleep and appetite are normal, although he refuses to eat anything with peas in it.  His growth and developmental milestones are within normal range.  Which of the following is the most likely explanation for the boy's behavior?

• A)Adjustment disorder
• B)Normal development
• C)Oppositional defiant disorder
• D)Parent-child relational problem
• E)Separation anxiety disorder
• F)Social anxiety disorder
• G)Stranger anxiety

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Definitions:

Ossification Centers

Locations in the fetus where bone formation begins during the process of ossification, leading to the development of the skeletal system.

Medullary Cavity

The central cavity of bone shafts where red bone marrow and/or yellow bone marrow (fat) is stored; it is crucial for the formation of blood cells.

Intramembranous Ossification

Intramembranous ossification is a process by which bone tissue is created directly from fibrous connective tissue, as seen in the formation of the flat bones of the skull.

Diaphysis

Shaft of a long bone.