A mother is concerned because her 10-month-old infant is lethargic.
What is the best action the nurse can advise this mother to implement?

The correct answer isChoice D.

Choice A rationale:

This choice suggests that the infant should weigh at least 12 pounds. However, this is not accurate.Babies grow and gain weight the fastest within the first 6 months of life.Although this can vary, babies tend to gain around 4–7 oz, or 113–200 grams (g), per week in the first 4–6 months.Weight gain then slows slightly, with an average gain of around 3–5 oz (about 85–140 g) per week when the baby is 6–18 months.Therefore, a 6-month-old baby girl in the 50th percentile weighs 16 pounds, 2 ounces (7.3 kilograms). Hence, 12 pounds is below the expected weight for a 6-month-old baby.

Choice B rationale:

This choice suggests that the infant should weigh at least 22 pounds. However, this is not accurate.The average weight for a 6-month-old baby girl is around 16 pounds, 2 ounces (7.3 kilograms). Therefore, 22 pounds is significantly above the average weight for a 6-month-old baby.

Choice C rationale:

This choice suggests that the infant should weigh at least 25 pounds. However, this is not accurate.The average weight for a 6-month-old baby girl is around 16 pounds, 2 ounces (7.3 kilograms). Therefore, 25 pounds is significantly above the average weight for a 6-month-old baby.

Choice D rationale:

This choice suggests that the infant should weigh at least 16 pounds. This is accurate.The average weight for a 6-month-old baby girl is around 16 pounds, 2 ounces (7.3 kilograms). Therefore, the nurse would expect the infant to weigh at least 16 pounds.

Choice A rationale:

Young children often understand that other people die, but do not equate it with themselves. Young children typically begin to grasp the concept of death, but they often don't fully understand it in the same way adults do. Their understanding of death tends to be more external, and they may not relate it to themselves. The nurse's response should be guided by this understanding because it helps in communicating with and supporting children when they encounter the death of a loved one. By recognizing that children may not see death as an immediate threat to themselves, the nurse can provide age-appropriate explanations and reassurance, addressing the child's concerns and fears. It's crucial to be sensitive to the child's emotional state and offer comfort and support as needed.

Choice B rationale:

Children can understand the concept of a higher being much like adults can. While children may have some understanding of the concept of a higher being, their understanding is often simpler and less abstract than that of adults. It's important for the nurse to acknowledge a child's spirituality and beliefs when discussing death, but it's not the primary understanding that guides the nurse's response. The primary focus should be on the child's understanding of death itself and how it may affect them or their loved ones.

Choice C rationale:

The children's response will depend entirely on whether they have been acquainted with death before this. While prior exposure to death may influence a child's response, it is not the sole determining factor. Even children who have not experienced death before may still have various emotional reactions when a loved one dies. The nurse should approach each child individually, taking into consideration their unique experiences and emotions rather than relying solely on past exposure to death.

Choice D rationale:

Children are unlikely to notice their grandmother's absence if no one reminds them. This choice is not an appropriate understanding to guide the nurse's response. Children are likely to notice the absence of a loved one, especially a grandmother, regardless of whether someone reminds them. They may not fully understand the implications of death, but they will notice the change in their daily life and routines. It is essential to support and communicate with them during this period rather than assume they won't notice the absence.