The Nurse Is Performing a Mental Status Assessment on a 5-Year-Old

question 12

Multiple Choice

The nurse is performing a mental status assessment on a 5-year-old girl.Her parents are undergoing a bitter divorce and are worried about the effect it is having on their daughter.Which action or statement might lead the nurse to be concerned about the girl's mental status?

• A)She clings to her mother whenever the nurse is in the room.
• B)She appears angry and will not make eye contact with the nurse.
• C)Her mother states that she has begun to ride a tricycle around their yard.
• D)Her mother states that her daughter prefers to play with toddlers instead of kids her own age while in daycare.

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Definitions:

Disgust Sensitivity

The degree to which people are disgusted by a variety of stimuli, such as bugs, types of food, and small animals.

Phobias

Excessive and irrational fears of specific objects, situations, or activities that pose little to no actual danger.

Fear of Danger

A basic emotional state characterized by the anticipation or awareness of potential harm or threats.

Contamination

The presence of an unwanted substance or microorganism in another substance, place, or physical body, leading to potential harm.