Health Promotion and MaintenanceQuestion 976 of 2368
The parent of a 3-year-old says, "My child cries and clings every time I leave for work." How should the nurse interpret this behavior?
- It is a sign of a serious anxiety disorder that needs medication
- It is a sign of neglect that must be reported
- It means the child should be assessed for panic disorder
- Separation anxiety is expected at this age
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Correct answer: Separation anxiety is expected at this age
Healthy children may show separation anxiety from about eight months through the preschool years.
Source: Nursing Health Promotion (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2025), Mental Health Conditions: Assessment (Recognizing Cues). Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Health Promotion and Maintenance"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026