A nurse is discussing the dying process to prepare a family for when their terminally ill child dies. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?

A. Provide the parents with pamphlets for support groups for children with developmental delays: While connecting families to support resources is important, this action is not the immediate priority before confirming or further evaluating the suspected delay.

B. Utilize social work for referral to early intervention: Referral to early intervention is essential, but the nurse must first communicate concerns and assessment findings to the primary care provider to initiate formal evaluation and referral.

C. Educate the parents on the developmental delays their child is diagnosed with: Education should follow formal diagnosis; at this point, the child has only suspected developmental delays, so education would be premature.

D. Discuss the assessment findings with the primary care provider: Sharing findings with the provider is the priority because it ensures the child receives a timely and appropriate diagnostic evaluation and any necessary referrals, forming the foundation for early intervention.

A. Regular appointments with a dentist provide preventative education and oral care: Early and routine dental visits allow the dentist to assess oral development, provide guidance on brushing and diet, and identify problems such as caries or malocclusion before they progress. Preventive education is key to lifelong oral health.

B. Dentist visits should not be regular until all teeth are present: This statement is inaccurate because the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the first dental visit by 12 months of age, even if not all teeth have erupted. Early visits establish a dental home and promote preventive care.

C. Dental visits should occur every 6 months: Biannual visits allow for routine assessment, cleaning, fluoride application, and early detection of dental issues. Scheduling every six months is standard preventive practice for preschool-aged children.

D. Regular, routine dental visits are effective and more cost-efficient than emergency dental treatment: Preventive care reduces the likelihood of cavities, infections, and extensive restorative procedures. Routine visits save families time, stress, and healthcare costs compared with emergency treatment for advanced dental problems.

E. Teeth brushing should be supervised: Preschool-aged children lack the dexterity and technique to brush effectively on their own. Supervised brushing ensures proper technique, adequate fluoride exposure, and removal of plaque, reducing the risk of early childhood caries.