A child has come into the emergency department after a confirmed bite from a brown recluse. Which action can the nurse take to alleviate pain?

The correct answer is choice D. It is a belief common at this age.

Choice A rationale:

The statement does not suggest a failed attempt to develop a conscience. The scenario described is more related to the cognitive development of an 8-year-old child. Children at this age often have magical thinking and may interpret events, such as illness, as punishments for perceived wrongdoing. This is a normal aspect of their cognitive development rather than a reflection of a failed attempt to develop a conscience.

Choice B rationale:

While beliefs about punishment and consequences are present in many religions, the scenario is not about a general religious belief but rather a specific belief held by the individual child. This belief is reflective of the child's cognitive understanding and not necessarily a religious teaching common to most religions.

Choice C rationale:

The belief is not necessarily suggestive of excessive family pressure. While family dynamics can influence a child's beliefs and behaviors, the scenario describes a typical cognitive developmental stage where children are still learning to differentiate between reality and their own thoughts, leading to magical thinking and unique interpretations.

Choice D rationale:

The belief is indeed common at this age. During middle childhood, children often exhibit concrete operational thinking, which includes a tendency to interpret events in a self-centered and concrete manner. Beliefs like the one described in the scenario, where the child connects her illness to perceived bad behavior and potential consequences, are characteristic of this developmental stage.

The correct answer is choice B. First stage.

Choice A rationale:

There is no fourth stage of Lyme disease. Lyme disease typically progresses through three stages: early localized, early disseminated, and late disseminated. The symptoms mentioned in the question are more indicative of earlier stages of the disease.

Choice B rationale:

The child is likely exhibiting symptoms of the first stage of Lyme disease, known as early localized Lyme disease. This stage is characterized by the appearance of small annular (circular) lesions known as erythema migrans. These lesions are often red and have a clear center, resembling a "bull's-eye" pattern. This stage occurs within days to weeks after a tick bite and is usually accompanied by flu-like symptoms.

Choice C rationale:

There is no third stage of Lyme disease. The third stage is considered the late disseminated stage, which occurs months to years after the initial infection. It typically involves more severe symptoms, such as arthritis, neurological issues, and cardiac abnormalities.

Choice D rationale:

There is no second stage of Lyme disease. The second stage is the early disseminated stage, which occurs weeks to a few months after the tick bite. It involves the spread of the bacteria to other parts of the body, leading to symptoms such as multiple erythema migrans lesions, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, and muscle and joint pain.