A 1-month-old infant is left alone for extended periods, has little physical stimulation, and is malnourished. Based on this infants history, in which phase of development according to Mahlers theory should a nurse expect to see a potential deficit?
-
A
The symbiotic phase
-
B
The autistic phase
-
C
The consolidation phase
-
D
The rapprochement phase
In this situation, the nursing judgment that fits the stem is The autistic phase.
A. The symbiotic phase
This would apply in a different scenario where the idea in “The symbiotic phase” addresses a different mechanism or priority than the one emphasized by the stem The wording does not track the stem’s main cue, so selecting it would shift the nurse away from the most precise interpretation or priority.
B. The autistic phase
This matches the stem because The nurse should expect that a 1-month-old infant who is left alone, has little physical stimulation, and is malnourished would not meet the autistic phase of development. The autistic phase of development usually occurs from birth to 1 month, at which time the infants focus is on basic needs and comfort. Need: Psychosocial Integrity Developmental theories help the nurse connect present coping and relationship patterns to age-expected tasks, which can inform realistic goals, communication style, and supportive interventions. From a nursing standpoint, this selection guides assessment and interventions toward what is most clinically meaningful in the moment—risk reduction, safety, accurate appraisal, and support for adaptive coping.
C. The consolidation phase
This could seem tempting if the idea in “The consolidation phase” addresses a different mechanism or priority than the one emphasized by the stem The wording does not track the stem’s main cue, so selecting it would shift the nurse away from the most precise interpretation or priority.
D. The rapprochement phase
This could seem tempting if the idea in “The rapprochement phase” addresses a different mechanism or priority than the one emphasized by the stem The wording does not track the stem’s main cue, so selecting it would shift the nurse away from the most precise interpretation or priority.
Conclusion
The scenario is best handled by identifying what the nurse must interpret or prioritize first and then choosing the statement that fits that requirement with the least distortion. The distractors have surface appeal, but they do not align as tightly with the clinical cue embedded in the stem.