Which of the following nursing responses is most therapeutic when made

Which of the following nursing responses is most therapeutic when made in response to a par-ent’s concern about her 3-year-old child’s tendency to “break the rules”?

1. “Just keep reminding her of the rules.”
2. “Daycare will help her learn to play fair.”
3. “She will begin to understand that concept in a year or so.”
4. “Add an age appropriate punishment for breaking the rules.”

ANSWER

ANS: 3
The first stage, heteronomous morality, occurs between 4 and 7 years and is characterized by a belief that rules are unchangeable and that when a rule is broken, there is imminent justice. Be-fore that stage, the child is not able to fully understand rules or other moral issues. While telling the client to keep reminding her of the rules may be useful, it does not help assure the parent that the child is displaying normal, age-appropriate behavior. While socialization will often have a positive effect on a child’s sense of fair play, this option does not help assure the parent that the child is displaying normal, age-appropriate behavior. The child is too young to understand the concept that makes punishment effective in acquiring fair play.