The nurse is caring for a hospitalized 4-year-old boy. His parents tell the nurse that they will be back to visit at 6 PM. When the child asks the nurse when his parents are coming, the nurse's best response is

A) "They will be here soon."
B) "They will come after dinner."
C) "Let me show you on the clock when 6 PM is."
D) "I will tell you every time I see you how much longer it will be."

A 4-year-old child understands time in relation to events such as meals. Children perceive "soon" as a very short time. The nurse may lose the child's trust if his parents do not return in the time he perceives as "soon." Children cannot read or use a clock for practical purposes until age 7 years. I will tell you every time I see you how much longer it will be assumes the child understands the concepts of hours and minutes, which are not developed until age 5 or 6 years.