When assessing a preadolescent student's response to the loss of a grandparent, which statement is most appropriate for the nurse to use?

The chosen response emphasizes the importance of empathy and connection in communicating with the preadolescent student. By sharing a personal experience of loss, the nurse creates a rapport that can help the child feel understood and validated in their feelings. The acknowledgment of sadness associated with loss is important, as it normalizes the emotional response the student may be experiencing. This approach invites the student to reflect on their own feelings and opens a safe space for them to express themselves, which is particularly vital during the developmental stage of preadolescence when children may struggle to articulate complex emotions.

The other options, while supportive, do not foster as much connection. Discussing the student’s grandmother specifically helps them to share memories and feelings associated with that individual, which can be therapeutic. Offering general support is beneficial but may not invite the same depth of conversation about their specific loss. Acknowledging the loss is important, but it lacks the empathetic engagement that makes option C particularly effective.