In planning care for a school-age child recovering from an asthma attack, which Erikson stage should the nurse consider?

In planning care for a school-age child recovering from an asthma attack, it is essential to consider the stage of psychosocial development as outlined by Erik Erikson. The stage relevant to school-age children, typically between the ages of 6 and 12, is "Industry vs. Inferiority."

During this stage, children are developing a sense of competence and self-esteem through their achievements in school and social interactions. They strive to master new skills and demonstrate their abilities, leading to a feeling of industry. Successfully overcoming challenges, such as managing a chronic illness like asthma, can help build their confidence and sense of competence.

By focusing on this aspect of development when planning care, the nurse can help the child understand and manage their asthma more effectively, engage them in their care plan, and support their autonomy through age-appropriate education about their condition and how to handle it. This empowerment is crucial for fostering a sense of competence, which is vital for emotional and social development at this age.

In contrast, the other stages refer to different age groups and developmental tasks, which may not be applicable to a school-age child. For instance, integrity vs. despair pertains to older adults, initiative vs. guilt to preschool-aged children, and identity vs.