The nurse is educating the parents of an 18-month-old toddler about safety and injury prevention. Which action by the parents best demonstrates their understanding of the child’s safety needs?

Choice A rationale

Administering enteral bolus feeds prior to surgery is not typically recommended for infants with a tracheoesophageal fistula. This is because the fistula can allow food or liquid to enter the trachea and lungs, leading to aspiration and potential respiratory complications.

Choice B rationale

Administering Famotidine prior to surgery can help reduce the risk of gastric acid reflux, which can lead to aspiration during surgery. This is particularly important in infants with a tracheoesophageal fistula, as the fistula can allow stomach contents to enter the trachea.

Choice C rationale

Administering IV antibiotics prior to surgery can help prevent infection. This is a common practice in many types of surgery, including surgery to repair a tracheoesophageal fistula.

Choice D rationale

Administering IV fluids during surgery can help maintain hydration and electrolyte balance. This is particularly important in infants, who have a higher risk of dehydration.

Choice E rationale

Administering 100% oxygen via a non-rebreather mask during surgery can help ensure that the infant has adequate oxygen levels. This is particularly important during surgery, as the infant will be under general anesthesia.

Choice A rationale

Supervising the child in outdoor, fenced play areas is a key safety measure for toddlers. At this age, children are exploring their environment and may not be aware of potential dangers.

Fenced play areas provide a safe space for the child to play while still being under the watchful eye of the parents. This demonstrates an understanding of the child’s safety needs.

Choice B rationale

Allowing a toddler to cross the street with a 6-year-old sibling is not a safe practice. Children at this age do not have the cognitive ability to understand the dangers of traffic and cannot make safe decisions about when to cross the street. Therefore, this action does not demonstrate an understanding of the child’s safety needs.

Choice C rationale

Using an automobile booster seat with a lap belt is not appropriate for an 18-month-old toddler. According to safety guidelines, children under the age of 2 should be in a rear-facing car seat, and children between the ages of 2 and 4 should be in a forward-facing car seat with a harness. Booster seats are typically used for older children who have outgrown their forward- facing car seats. Therefore, this action does not demonstrate an understanding of the child’s safety needs.

Choice D rationale

Teaching a toddler about swimming and water safety is important, but it is not enough to ensure the child’s safety. Toddlers should always be supervised around water, even if they have had swimming lessons. Drowning is a leading cause of death in toddlers, and it can happen quickly and silently. Therefore, while teaching water safety is a good step, it needs to be combined with other safety measures.