A 4-year-old is seen in the clinic for a sore throat. In the child's mind, the most likely ...

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Rationale:
1. This age child does not yet understand that he can become sick from exposure to someone else who is sick.
2. Not eating the right foods can be a factor in some illnesses, but this thinking is beyond the level of a 4-year-old.
3. Preschoolers understand some aspects of being sick, but not the cause of illness. They are likely to think that they are sick as a result of something that they have done. They frequently will view illness as punishment.
4. While not taking his vitamins can be a factor in some illnesses, this thinking is beyond the capabilities of a 4-year-old.