What is the most immediate effect on a second-grade student whose sibling is diagnosed with a chronic illness?

When a sibling is diagnosed with a chronic illness, a second-grade student is likely to experience increasing feelings of stress and isolation. This is primarily because young children often struggle to fully understand the seriousness of such a situation and may feel anxious about their sibling’s health and well-being. They might perceive a shift in family dynamics, where more attention and resources are directed toward the sick sibling, leading them to feel neglected or less prioritized.

As a result, this situation can create emotional turmoil for the child as they grapple with fears for their sibling's future, confusion about the illness, and potential changes in their family's normal routines. In such circumstances, these heightened emotions can lead to feelings of loneliness, as they may hesitate to share their concerns or feelings, fearing it might add to the burden on their parents or caregivers. This emotional strain often translates into feelings of isolation, making it challenging for them to connect with their peers or engage in typical social interactions.

The other options, while they may occur in some contexts, do not address the immediate emotional response that is likely to arise from such a stressful family situation, making the choice related to feelings of stress and isolation the most appropriate answer.