A 4-year-old with leukemia is fearful of hospitalization. What intervention can alleviate the child's fears?

Encouraging the child's parents to stay with the child is a vital intervention to alleviate fears associated with hospitalization in a young child. At the age of four, children are still developing their understanding of the world, and the experience of being hospitalized can be frightening and overwhelming. The presence of familiar caregivers provides emotional support and security, which can significantly reduce anxiety and feelings of isolation.

Children often look to their parents for comfort and reassurance in unfamiliar situations. By remaining close, parents can help the child feel more secure, promoting a sense of safety and stability amidst the new and potentially intimidating hospital environment. This support also enhances communication, allowing the parents to address the child's fears and anxieties directly.

While introducing a stuffed animal can provide comfort and serve as a transition object, it may not be as effective as having a parent's presence. Similarly, encouraging the child to play alone or limiting parental visits can exacerbate feelings of fear and loneliness rather than alleviating them. Therefore, the intervention that involves keeping the parents nearby is the most beneficial in this scenario.