Which of the following is NOT a differential diagnosis for a child who wakes up screaming at night?

Night waking is a common issue in children and can be caused by a variety of factors. When considering the options provided, sleep apnea is typically characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep, which often leads to daytime sleepiness rather than episodes of screaming upon awakening at night. Thus, it does not align with the specific symptom of waking up screaming.

In contrast, separation anxiety is a common response in young children when they feel insecure about separation from their caregivers, potentially leading to night terrors or screaming. Acute illnesses might cause discomfort, leading to disturbances such as crying or screaming at night due to pain or other symptoms. Nightmares are vivid dreams that often lead to awakening with distress, which would also fit the scenario of a child waking up screaming. Each of these conditions may contribute to night-time disturbances characterized by screaming, while sleep apnea focuses more on breathing difficulties and does not typically present with that specific behavioral symptom.