While preparing to discharge an 8-month-old infant who is recovering from gastroenteritis and dehydration, the nurse teaches the parents about their infant’s dietary and fluid requirements. The nurse should include which other topics in the teaching session?
A. Safety guidelines
B. Preparation for surgery
C. Toilet Training
D. Nursery schools
Correct Answer: A. Safety guidelines
The nurse always should reinforce safety guidelines when teaching parents how to care for their children. By giving anticipatory guidance the nurse can help prevent any accidental injuries. When possible, an age-appropriate diet and fluids should be continued. Oral rehydration therapy using a commercial pediatric oral rehydration solution is the preferred approach to mild or moderate dehydration.
Option B: Because surgery is not a treatment for gastroenteritis, this topic is inappropriate. The management of acute gastroenteritis is directed at preventing or treating the dehydration that so often accompanies this disease.
Option C: Toilet training is too early for an 8-month old infant. Most children begin to show signs of readiness for toilet training when they’re between 18 and 24 months old, though some may not be ready until later than that. And boys often start later and take longer to learn to use the potty than girls.
Option D: For parents of an 8-month-old infant, it is too early to discuss nursery schools. Most preschools start accepting kids around the age of 2.5 to 3 years old, but since every child is different, this isn’t a magic number. Preschool readiness really depends more on developmental factors than chronological age.