A nurse is caring for an 8-month-old child who starts to cry when his parents leave. The nurse should make which of the following statements to the parents?

A. Coloring book with crayons:

Coloring activities with crayons are typically more suitable for older children who have developed fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. At 10 months old, infants are still in the early stages of motor development and may not have the dexterity to hold and manipulate crayons effectively. Additionally, infants at this age are more likely to put objects in their mouths, which poses a choking hazard with crayons.

B. Large-piece puzzles:

Puzzles with large pieces can be beneficial for older children's cognitive development by promoting problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination. However, at 10 months old, infants are still developing their motor skills and may not have the ability to manipulate puzzle pieces effectively. Puzzles with small pieces can also pose a choking hazard for infants.

C. Crib gym:

A crib gym is a suitable toy for a 10-month-old infant as it provides opportunities for visual stimulation, reaching, grasping, and hand-eye coordination development. Crib gyms typically consist of hanging toys or objects that the infant can bat at or grasp while lying in their crib or playpen. This type of toy encourages exploration and interaction while ensuring safety within the confines of the crib.

D. Put-in take-out toy:

Put-in take-out toys involve placing objects into a container and then removing them, which can be engaging for infants. However, while this type of toy may provide some entertainment for a 10-month-old, it may not offer as much visual and tactile stimulation as a crib gym. Additionally, some put-in take-out toys may have smaller parts that pose a choking hazard for infants, so careful supervision is necessary.

A. Pulmonary function test:

Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) assess lung function by measuring airflow, lung volume, and gas exchange. While PFTs can provide valuable information about respiratory function, they are not specific to cystic fibrosis and may show abnormalities consistent with various respiratory conditions. However, PFTs are often performed in individuals with cystic fibrosis to monitor lung function over time and assess response to treatment. They are not considered the most definitive test for diagnosing cystic fibrosis.

B. Sweat chloride test:

This option is correct. The sweat chloride test is considered the most definitive diagnostic test for cystic fibrosis. It measures the concentration of chloride in sweat, which is typically elevated in individuals with cystic fibrosis due to defective chloride transport in sweat glands. A sweat chloride concentration above a certain threshold (usually ≥60 mmol/L) is diagnostic of cystic fibrosis, particularly when confirmed with repeat testing.

C. Stool fat content analysis:

Stool fat content analysis evaluates fat absorption and fecal fat excretion, which may be impaired in individuals with cystic fibrosis due to pancreatic insufficiency. However, while stool fat content analysis can provide supportive evidence of malabsorption in cystic fibrosis, it is not considered the most definitive test for diagnosing the condition. Stool fat content analysis is often used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests to assess pancreatic function and nutritional status in individuals with cystic fibrosis.

D. Sputum culture:

Sputum culture involves culturing respiratory secretions to identify bacterial pathogens, which can be useful for diagnosing respiratory infections in individuals with cystic fibrosis. However, sputum culture is not specific to cystic fibrosis and may show similar findings in other respiratory conditions. While respiratory cultures are important for guiding treatment in cystic fibrosis, they are not considered the most definitive test for diagnosing the condition.