Which statement indicates understanding of separation anxiety in a hospitalized 2-year-old child?

The statement that indicates an understanding of separation anxiety in a hospitalized 2-year-old child is that the child may ignore the parents when they visit. At this age, children are typically in the phase of development where they form strong attachment bonds with their primary caregivers. When faced with hospitalization or separation from these caregivers, they may react in various ways, including exhibiting behaviors that can seem dismissive or indifferent, such as ignoring their parents. This response can be a coping mechanism to manage their feelings of distress and anxiety regarding separation.

While it is also true that a child may withdraw or struggle with the circumstances of being hospitalized, the specific behavior of ignoring parents is particularly representative of a developmental response to separation anxiety at this age. The other options fail to reflect the typical emotional and behavioral responses of a 2-year-old experiencing separation anxiety. Thus, recognizing that a child may respond by ignoring their parents highlights a key aspect of how children this age process separation and attachment.