A mother is concerned because her 22-month-old has been skipping meals lately. Which of the following actions should the nurse recommend to the mother?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Limit the child's consumption of juices and cookies. This option is the most appropriate because it addresses the underlying issue of the child skipping meals by suggesting a strategy to reduce the child's intake of less nutritious foods that may be filling him up and affecting his appetite for healthier meals. By limiting juices and cookies, the child is more likely to feel hungry at meal times and be willing to eat a wider variety of foods to meet his nutritional needs. Option A is incorrect as putting the child in time out for skipping meals can create negative associations with food and mealtime, potentially leading to further mealtime resistance and issues with eating behavior. Option B is also incorrect as offering only foods like cookies and chips reinforces poor eating habits and does not address the nutritional needs of the child. Option D is not as effective as option C in addressing the immediate concern of the child skipping meals; simply talking to the child about the importance of eating three meals a day may not be sufficient to change his behavior without addressing the underlying reasons for his decreased appetite. Educationally, this rationale highlights the importance of considering a child's nutritional intake, preferences, and eating habits when addressing concerns about skipping meals. It emphasizes the role of healthy eating habits in promoting optimal growth and development in young children and the need to provide appropriate guidance to parents on fostering positive eating behaviors in their children.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, option B, "How long does the child stay dry during the day?" is the best response by the nurse. This response demonstrates an understanding of assessing the child's readiness for toilet training based on their ability to control bladder function. It allows the nurse to gather important information about the child's development and readiness for toilet training. Option A, "Don’t worry; it will happen eventually," is not the best response as it dismisses the mother's concerns without addressing the issue or providing any helpful guidance. Option C, "Train him on a regular toilet instead of a potty chair," may not be appropriate as transitioning from a potty chair to a regular toilet may not address the underlying readiness for toilet training. Option D, "Here is a training schedule to follow," is premature without first assessing the child's readiness. Educationally, it is important for nurses to understand the developmental milestones associated with toilet training in toddlers. By asking about the child's dry periods during the day, the nurse can assess if the child is showing signs of readiness such as bladder control, which is crucial for successful toilet training. This approach emphasizes the importance of individualized care and assessment in pediatric nursing practice.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Model the behavior at home. Rationale: Modeling behavior is a highly effective way to teach children good hygiene habits. Children learn best by observing and imitating adults, especially their parents or caregivers. By consistently demonstrating good hygiene practices at home, such as washing hands before meals, brushing teeth twice a day, and bathing regularly, the child is more likely to internalize and adopt these habits. This approach not only teaches the child through direct observation but also creates a supportive and encouraging environment for learning. Option A) Having him learn it at school may not be as effective as modeling at home because habits and behaviors are more readily learned and reinforced in the familiar environment of the home. Option C) Lecturing the child about hygiene may not be as engaging or practical as modeling the behavior. Lectures are often less effective in promoting behavior change compared to hands-on demonstrations and consistent modeling. Option D) Punishing the child for forgetting to brush his teeth is not a recommended approach as it can create negative associations with hygiene practices, leading to potential resistance and aversion towards maintaining good hygiene habits. Educational Context: In the field of health promotion and maintenance, it is essential to understand the importance of effective teaching strategies, especially when it comes to instilling good hygiene practices in children. By emphasizing the role of modeling behavior at home, nurses and educators can empower parents to be positive role models and create a nurturing environment that facilitates the development of healthy habits in children. Teaching through modeling not only enhances learning but also strengthens the parent-child relationship and promotes a positive attitude towards self-care and hygiene.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Nightmares. During the preschool years, children often experience vivid dreams and nightmares as a part of their normal development. Nightmares can cause a child to wake up during the night feeling scared or anxious. This is a common occurrence in preschool-aged children as their imaginations are developing, and they may have difficulty distinguishing between reality and fantasy, leading to fear-inducing dreams. Option B) Night terrors are less likely in this scenario because night terrors typically occur during non-REM sleep and are more common in older children. Night terrors are characterized by episodes of intense fear, screaming, and thrashing, usually within the first few hours of falling asleep. Option C) Enuresis, or bedwetting, is also less likely in this case unless specifically mentioned by the parent. Enuresis is more related to bladder control issues during sleep and would not typically cause a child to wake up feeling scared or anxious. Option D) Hunger is less likely as a common reason for waking up during the night in a preschooler unless the child is consistently going to bed hungry. However, nightmares are a more common explanation based on the developmental stage of preschool-aged children. In an educational context, understanding the typical sleep patterns and developmental stages of children is crucial for healthcare providers working with pediatric populations. Recognizing common reasons for sleep disturbances can help nurses and other healthcare professionals provide appropriate guidance and support to parents to promote healthy sleep habits in children.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) Do not leave cigarettes and matches on the kitchen counter. This recommendation is crucial in preventing burns in preschoolers because children at this age are curious and may try to play with matches or lighters, leading to potential burn injuries. By keeping cigarettes and matches out of reach, parents can significantly reduce the risk of burns in their preschoolers. Option A, not reading to the child in front of the fireplace, is incorrect as it does not directly address burn prevention. Option B, waiting until the child is a teenager to cook on a gas grill, is impractical and does not provide immediate safety measures. Option D, not cooking with the child in the kitchen, is also not as effective as removing potential fire hazards from the child's environment. In an educational context, it is essential for nurses to educate parents on specific, actionable steps to prevent common injuries such as burns in preschoolers. By providing practical advice like keeping matches and cigarettes out of reach, nurses can empower parents to create a safe environment for their children.