For an adolescent hospitalized for surgery, which intervention best supports growth and development?

• A. Encourage the family to room-in with the child
• B. Allow the child to be isolated from peers
• C. Limit activities to rest and reading
• D. Disallow visits from peers

Answer: (A)

Adolescents need emotional support, family involvement, and access to social connections to navigate growth and development even during a hospital stay. Allowing the family to room-in with the child promotes emotional security, helps maintain familiar routines, and enables family participation in care, which reduces stress and supports coping and autonomy in a supportive environment. This approach aligns with the developmental need for meaningful relationships and a sense of control during adolescence.

Isolating from peers, restricting activities to rest and reading, or disallowing peer visits removes important social support and opportunities for normal development, increasing stress and hindering growth during hospitalization.