HESI Registered Nurse EXIT Practice Exam

What must a nurse provide to assist in the development of trust in a 6 month-old infant?

1. Food

2. Warmth

3. Security

4. Comfort

The correct answer is: Security

In the context of infant care and development, providing security is crucial for fostering trust in a 6-month-old infant. This concept is rooted in developmental theories, particularly those proposed by Erik Erikson, who emphasized that the first stage of psychosocial development revolves around trust versus mistrust. For infants, feeling secure is linked to consistent and responsive caregiving. When caregivers meet an infant's needs consistently—such as their need for nourishment, physical comfort, and emotional support—the infant begins to develop a sense of security. This sense of security instills trust in their caregivers and the environment, leading to healthy emotional development. While food, warmth, and comfort are all important factors in an infant’s overall well-being, security encompasses the idea of consistent and reliable caregiving that directly contributes to the establishment of trust. An absence of insecurity can lead to anxiety and distrust as the child grows, hampering their ability to form healthy relationships in the future. Hence, nurturing security in the early stages of life is foundational for building trust in a developing infant.