A nurse is preparing to administer an oral elixir to a 3-month-old infant using an oral medication syringe.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale

While rest is important for a child, suggesting that the child needs to rest does not address the parents’ concern about their child crying when they leave.

Choice B rationale

This is the correct answer. It is normal for an 8-month-old child to show signs of separation anxiety when their parents leave. This is a part of their normal development where they start to understand object permanence - the concept that things and people exist even when they’re out of sight. This can make them upset when their parents leave as they understand their parents are somewhere else, but they don’t know when they’ll return.

Choice C rationale

Notifying the provider about a normal developmental behavior is not necessary. It’s important for parents to understand that this behavior is a normal part of their child’s development.

Choice D rationale

While an overstimulating environment can cause distress in children, in this case, the child is upset because of their parents leaving, not because of the environment.

Choice A rationale

A protruding tongue is a common characteristic in children diagnosed with Down syndrome. This is due to hypotonia (low muscle tone) and a relatively small oral cavity.

Choice B rationale

An outward slant to the eyes, also known as upslanting palpebral fissures, is a common characteristic in children with Down syndrome.

Choice C rationale

Wide-spaced front teeth are not typically associated with Down syndrome. Dental anomalies in Down syndrome often include delayed eruption of teeth and missing or extra teeth.

Choice D rationale

Curved, small fingers are a common characteristic in children with Down syndrome. This is part of the typical hand morphology that may also include a single palmar crease.

Choice E rationale

Simian creases, also known as single palmar creases, are common in children with Down syndrome. This is a single crease that runs across the palm of the hand, instead of the usual three creases.