A nurse is assisting with preparing a toddler for an intravenous procedure.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take? (Select all that apply)

Choice A rationale

Understanding the cause of illness is a complex cognitive task that typically develops later in childhood. Preschool-aged children are still developing their understanding of cause and effect, and their thinking is often more concrete than abstract.

Choice B rationale

Describing manifestations of illness is also a complex task that requires a certain level of cognitive and language development. While preschool-aged children are developing their language skills rapidly, their ability to describe complex phenomena such as the manifestations of illness is still developing.

Choice C rationale

Awareness of body functioning is a concept that typically develops later in childhood. Preschool-aged children are still learning about their bodies and how they work. Their understanding of body functioning is often concrete and based on what they can see and feel.

Choice D rationale

Relating fears to magical thinking is a characteristic of preschool-aged children’s cognitive development. At this age, children’s thinking is often dominated by fantasy and magic. They may attribute events or experiences to magical causes, and their fears may be related to these magical beliefs.

Choice A rationale

The statement “My baby will be placed under special lights if the test is elevated” indicates a need for further teaching. This statement is incorrect because phototherapy (special lights) is not used to treat phenylketonuria (PKU). PKU is a genetic disorder that results in the body’s inability to metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine. If left untreated, it can lead to intellectual disability and other serious health problems. The treatment for PKU involves a special diet that is low in phenylalanine. Therefore, the parent’s statement about using special lights for treatment indicates a misunderstanding about the nature of PKU and its treatment.

Choice B rationale

The statement “Sometimes the test is repeated in the doctor’s office at the 2-week check-up” is correct. PKU is usually diagnosed through a routine newborn screening test, and if the initial test results are positive or unclear, the test may be repeated.

Choice C rationale

The statement “My baby must take formula or breast milk before the test is done” is correct. For accurate results, the PKU test is done after the baby is 24 hours old and after the baby has had some protein in the diet.

Choice D rationale

The statement “This test checks for a genetic disorder that can be corrected by diet” is correct. PKU is a genetic disorder that can be managed with a special diet low in phenylalanine.