A nurse is reinforcing education with a caregiver of a pediatric client about diaper dermatitis. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

A. Bullying. Children with chronic illnesses may be at higher risk of bullying due to visible symptoms, medical devices (e.g., insulin pumps, braces), or frequent absences. Bullying can negatively impact their self-esteem and emotional well-being.

B. Absenteeism. Chronic illnesses often require frequent medical appointments, hospitalizations, or rest periods, leading to increased school absences. This can affect academic performance and social integration.

C. Decreased intelligence quotient (IQ) score. While chronic illness can affect cognitive function in some cases (e.g., severe epilepsy, untreated hypothyroidism), most children with chronic illnesses do not inherently have lower IQ scores. Learning difficulties are more often linked to fatigue, medication side effects, or missed instruction time rather than a direct decrease in intelligence.

D. Behavioral issues toward other students. While some children may struggle with frustration or emotional distress due to their illness, chronic illness does not inherently cause aggressive behavior toward peers. However, emotional regulation difficulties may arise due to stress or anxiety related to their condition.

E. Mental health concerns. Anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation are common among children with chronic illnesses. They may struggle with self-identity, fear of medical procedures, and social exclusion, increasing the risk of mental health disorders.

A. Warm the medication container for 10 seconds in a microwave oven prior to instillation. Using a microwave to warm ear drops is unsafe, as it can cause uneven heating and potentially burn the delicate ear structures. Instead, the medication should be warmed by holding the container in the hands for a few minutes.

B. Apply clean gloves and clean the outer ear prior to instilling drops. Wearing gloves prevents contamination, and cleaning the outer ear removes purulent drainage, ensuring the medication reaches the ear canal properly. This is an essential step in infection control and medication effectiveness.

C. Firmly push a cotton ball into the ear canal after instilling drops. Inserting a cotton ball too firmly can trap moisture and bacteria, potentially worsening the infection. If needed, a loosely placed cotton ball may be used, but it should not be forced into the canal.

D. Pull the child's ear auricle upward and outward just before instilling drops. This technique is used for adults and children over 3 years old. In a 2-year-old, the correct method is to pull the auricle downward and back to straighten the ear canal for proper medication administration.