A toddler is hospitalized and the nurse wants to make the transition from home to hospital as easy as possible for him. Which action by the nurse would be most beneficial to assist the toddler in adapting to the hospital?

Choice A reason: Rubbing the nose upward and backward, known as the "allergic salute," is a common response in allergic rhinitis to relieve nasal itching and congestion. This action temporarily opens air passages and alleviates discomfort, aligning with pediatric allergy evidence, making it the correct explanation for the child’s behavior observed in clinical settings.

Choice B reason: Drawing attention to the nose is not a typical response in allergic rhinitis. The "allergic salute" is a reflexive action to relieve itching and congestion, not a deliberate attempt to gain attention. This choice misinterprets the physiological basis of the behavior, making it incorrect for the child’s action in the context of allergic rhinitis symptoms.

Choice C reason: Nasal discharge may occur in allergic rhinitis, but rubbing upward and backward aims to relieve itching and open airways, not prevent discharge. This action is not primarily about controlling runny nose, making this choice less accurate compared to addressing the itching and congestion relief central to the child’s behavior.

Choice D reason: Preventing a sneeze is not the purpose of the "allergic salute." Rubbing the nose upward and backward relieves itching and congestion, common in allergic rhinitis. Sneezing is a separate reflex, and this action does not address it, making this incorrect for the child’s observed behavior in the context of allergy symptoms.

Choice A reason: Vitamin E is not typically deficient in evaporated milk formulas, and supplementation is not standard. Vitamin D is critical to prevent rickets in infants, making this incorrect, as it does not address the primary nutritional gap in homemade evaporated milk formulas for an 8-month-old.

Choice B reason: Evaporated milk lacks sufficient vitamin D, essential for calcium absorption and bone health in an 8-month-old. Ensuring vitamin D supplementation prevents rickets, aligning with pediatric nutrition guidelines, making it the correct ingredient to include in the infant’s homemade formula diet.

Choice C reason: Iron is important but less critical in evaporated milk, which retains some iron, and infants have stores until 6 months. Vitamin D is the primary deficiency, making this incorrect compared to addressing the urgent need for vitamin D in the 8-month-old’s formula.

Choice D reason: Evaporated milk contains adequate calcium, unlike vitamin D, which is deficient and critical for bone development. Ensuring vitamin D inclusion is prioritized, making this incorrect, as calcium supplementation is not the primary concern in the infant’s evaporated milk formula diet.