When a mother brings her 9-month-old to daycare, the child smiles and reaches for the daycare caregiver. The nurse should recognize that according to Mahlers developmental theory, this childs development is at which phase?
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A
The autistic phase
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B
The symbiotic phase
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C
The differentiation subphase of the separationindividuation phase
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D
The rapprochement subphase of the separationindividuation phase
The best way to answer the question is The differentiation subphase of the separationindividuation phase.
A. The autistic phase
This reflects a related idea, but it fits best when the idea in “The autistic 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 symbiotic phase
This sounds reasonable when 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.
C. The differentiation subphase of the separationindividuation phase
This works since The nurse should understand that this client is in the differentiation subphase of the separationindividuation phase. This subphase begins with the childs initial physical movements away from the mothering figure. A primary recognition of separateness commences. 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.
D. The rapprochement subphase of the separationindividuation phase
This reflects a related idea, but it fits best when the idea in “The rapprochement subphase of the separationindividuation 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
What separates the best choice from the rest is specificity: the correct option addresses the exact mechanism, stage, or principle described. The other answers relate to nearby ideas, yet they miss the question’s focal point or misapply the concept to the situation.