Which age groups are more likely to physically resist nurses during procedures?

The correct response highlights the age groups that are typically more likely to exhibit resistance during nursing procedures. School-aged children and adolescents are often in a developmental stage where they possess increased autonomy and a stronger sense of self, which can lead to more pronounced resistance when they feel uncomfortable or threatened, such as during medical procedures.

School-aged children, typically ranging from ages 6 to 12, are beginning to assert their independence and may push back against authority figures. Adolescents, who are navigating the transition into adulthood, often exhibit strong emotional responses and may have a heightened sense of vulnerability, which can result in resistance to procedures that they perceive as invasive or frightening.

In contrast, toddlers and preschoolers may also resist but often do so out of fear or lack of understanding rather than from a desire for autonomy. While they might physically struggle during procedures, the nature of their resistance is often more related to developmental stage and emotional responses rather than a conscious decision to resist care. Adults may resist for various reasons as well; however, they tend to communicate preferences more directly and may have the cognitive ability to understand the procedures better. Thus, both school-aged children and adolescents collectively tend to exhibit behaviors more associated with conscious resistance to care measures.