Which statement would be the nurse’s most accurate analysis of the mother’s comment? Celine, a mother of a 2-year-old tells the nurse that her child “cries and has a fit when I have to leave him with a sitter or someone else.”  

The mother is describing her child’s separation anxiety.

Before coming to any conclusion, the nurse should ask the mother focused questions; however, based on initial information, the analysis of separation anxiety would be most valid. Separation anxiety is a normal toddler response. When the child senses he is being sent away from those who most provide him with love and security. Crying is one way a child expresses a physical need; however, the nurse would be hasty in drawing this as first conclusion based on what the mother has said. Nurturing overdependence or not providing structure for the toddler are inaccurate conclusions based on the information provided.