If a child has trouble sleeping during a parent's divorce, how should a nurse interpret this?

• A. It is a common reaction to divorce and not necessarily an indication of maladjustment.
• B. It always indicates parental neglect.
• C. It signifies a medical sleep disorder.
• D. It proves the child needs psychotherapy.

Answer: (A)

Children often react to the stress of divorce with sleep difficulties. Trouble falling asleep, nightmares, or night awakenings can be a normal response to changes in family routines, parental conflict, and uncertainty about the future. Interpreting this as maladjustment would be premature; these sleep concerns are common and may resolve as the child’s environment stabilizes and coping supports are put in place.

Consider the bigger picture: how long the sleep problems have lasted, whether routines and caregiving remain consistent, and what coping strategies the child has. A nurse should support the child with reassuring explanations appropriate to the child’s age, help maintain predictable bedtime routines, and encourage expression of feelings. If sleep problems persist or daytime functioning is impaired, that would warrant further assessment and possibly referral for counseling.

Other options don’t fit as well because a change in sleep patterns during divorce is not automatically a sign of neglect, a medical sleep disorder, or a need for psychotherapy in every case. It may indicate distress that can improve with support, though persistent problems may require deeper intervention.