Adolescence
Peer groups can become increasingly important during adolescence as teenagers experience closeness among their friendships. Teens tend to turn to one another as the first line of support instead of their families. Bobby will need to be hospitalized for some time and separated from his peer group. This separation can lead to isolation, sadness, anger, lack of communication, loss of peer support, and fear of rejection by their peers (Hisley et al., 2015).
The nurse can help with this separation to help Bobby communicate with his friends and family through phone, tablet, or other electronic devices. If possible, the nurse should encourage his friends and family to visit him in person and implement precautions. Additionally, the nurse can inquire about Bobby’s likes and dislikes and provide movies, games, or video games (Hisley et al., 2015).
A concern with body image that the nurse can anticipate for Bobby would affect his self-esteem due to a surgical scar. His surgical scar can also contribute to anxiety or feelings of self-consciousness, especially when their scar is visible to others (Hisley et al., 2015).
Play is essential in childhood because it helps with development. Play helps with imagination and creativity, which can help with developing relationships with others. Play expands on cognitive growth by increasing and strengthening connections in the brain. Play provides emotional and behavioral benefits, especially when faced with anxiety or stress. Play helps with literacy as it helps them practice communication, language, and narratives. Play encourages independence as children can choose with activity or game they want to play. Lastly, play promotes physical fitness while having fun (Blahey, 2021).
