A 4-year-old undergoing a renal biopsy may exhibit which developmental concern?

A 4-year-old undergoing a renal biopsy may exhibit which developmental concern?

• A. Fears of mutilation may be present
• B. Imaginary friends are common
• C. The child is egocentric
• D. The child uses magical thinking

Answer: (A)

Preschoolers are developing a sense of bodily integrity and are prone to magical thinking, which makes invasive procedures feel especially scary. At about four years old, children may interpret medical instruments as capable of causing permanent changes to their bodies. A renal biopsy, though typically quick and necessary, involves instruments that touch or penetrate the body, so a child this age may worry that the procedure will “cut off” or mutilate a part of them. This fear of mutilation is a common and developmentally appropriate response in this context. Imaginary friends are normal for this age but aren’t specifically triggered by a biopsy. Egocentrism and magical thinking are typical traits in preschoolers, but the most direct, procedure-related concern here is the fear that the body will be harmed or altered through the procedure.

Preschoolers are developing a sense of bodily integrity and are prone to magical thinking, which makes invasive procedures feel especially scary. At about four years old, children may interpret medical instruments as capable of causing permanent changes to their bodies. A renal biopsy, though typically quick and necessary, involves instruments that touch or penetrate the body, so a child this age may worry that the procedure will “cut off” or mutilate a part of them. This fear of mutilation is a common and developmentally appropriate response in this context.

Imaginary friends are normal for this age but aren’t specifically triggered by a biopsy. Egocentrism and magical thinking are typical traits in preschoolers, but the most direct, procedure-related concern here is the fear that the body will be harmed or altered through the procedure.