What finding should a nurse expect in a 4-year-old with pneumonia experiencing separation anxiety stage of despair?

A child with pneumonia who is experiencing separation anxiety, particularly in the stage of despair, may exhibit signs of withdrawal and inactivity. This can manifest as physical lethargy or behaviors such as thumb sucking. In this stage, children often feel sad and hopeless about the separation from their primary caregivers, leading to decreased engagement in active play or social interaction. Instead of actively playing or engaging with others, they might become more solitary and exhibit self-soothing behaviors as a coping mechanism for their distress.

The option highlighting inactive behavior and thumb sucking accurately reflects the emotional state of a child in this stage, as they seek comfort in familiar actions. While some children might vocalize their distress or engage with toys to cope, the hallmark of the despair stage includes a significant withdrawal from active participation in their environment, highlighting their emotional turmoil.