What cognitive ability should the nurse expect from a school-age child according to Piaget?

According to Piaget's theory of cognitive development, children in the school-age range, typically between the ages of 6 and 12, are in the Concrete Operational stage. One of the key features of this stage is the understanding of reversibility. This means that a school-age child can comprehend that objects can be changed and then returned to their original state. For example, they can understand that if you pour water from a tall, thin glass into a short, wide glass, the amount of water remains the same despite the change in shape.

This understanding is foundational for further cognitive skills, as it allows children to engage in logical thinking and problem-solving. It also aids in their ability to conduct operations that require them to think about the relationship between objects, actions, and the effects of these actions.

In contrast, the other options relate to cognitive abilities that either lie outside of the Concrete Operational stage or focus on more advanced cognitive functions. Having theoretical thoughts and imagining future scenarios typically emerges in the Formal Operational stage, which follows Concrete Operations. Believing in constant scrutiny of their actions is more reflective of early ego development rather than a specific cognitive ability related to Piaget's stages. Therefore, understanding reversibility accurately represents the cognitive ability expected from a school-age