The nurse is discussing discipline issues with a group of caregivers of preschool-aged children who have a cognitive impairment. One father tells the group that after he tells his child to stop doing something, the child just continues. Parents in the group make the following statements. Which statement indicates an understanding of disciplining the cognitively impaired child?

Choice A reason: Discussing anxiety and depression is relevant but premature without addressing the immediate issue of the child being alone and scared after school. After-school programs provide supervision and safety, making this less urgent and incorrect compared to resolving the primary concern of unsupervised time for the child.

Choice B reason: Preventing drug and alcohol use is important but not the priority for a 10-year-old scared and alone after school. After-school programs address immediate safety and social needs, making this secondary and incorrect compared to tackling the child’s current unsupervised and fearful situation at home.

Choice C reason: Emergency contact numbers are useful but do not resolve the ongoing issue of the child being alone and scared daily. After-school programs offer structured supervision, directly addressing the primary concern, making this less critical and incorrect for the nurse’s priority action for this family.

Choice D reason: Providing a list of after-school programs addresses the child’s fear and isolation by offering supervised, engaging activities, reducing unsupervised time at home. This prioritizes safety and emotional well-being, aligning with pediatric nursing goals for supporting relocated families, making it the correct action to assist them.

Choice A reason: Slightly crooked teeth may complicate oral hygiene but are not a primary cause of cavities, which depend more on brushing and diet. Malocclusions affect chewing efficiency, making this less accurate and incorrect compared to the functional impact of misaligned teeth noted during the assessment.

Choice B reason: Malocclusions do not directly cause infections or tooth loss unless severe and untreated. Slight cross-over primarily impacts chewing and jaw function, not infection risk, making this exaggerated and incorrect for the primary reason to seek orthodontic consultation for the teenager’s teeth.

Choice C reason: Social impacts like dating or hiring are speculative and not the primary clinical concern for slight malocclusions. Chewing and jaw efficiency are direct functional issues, making this psychosocial focus less relevant and incorrect for the orthodontic referral rationale in this clinical scenario.

Choice D reason: Slight malocclusions, like crossed front teeth, can impair chewing and jaw function, leading to inefficient mastication or strain. This functional concern justifies orthodontic evaluation, aligning with dental health principles, making it the correct reason to recommend seeing an orthodontist for the teenager.