When assessing a 2.5-year-old, the nurse would expect the toddler to have:

Choice A rationale

Insomnia is a common symptom of postpartum depression, often characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep, or waking up early. This sleep disturbance, when coupled with other symptoms such as persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and fatigue, is a key diagnostic criterion for the condition.

Choice B rationale

Intermittent crying in the first week postpartum, now resolved, is a common symptom of the "baby blues.”. The baby blues are a transient condition, typically resolving within the first two weeks. Postpartum depression, in contrast, involves more severe and persistent symptoms lasting longer than two weeks.

Choice C rationale

Delusions are a symptom of postpartum psychosis, a rare and severe mental health condition that is distinct from postpartum depression. Postpartum psychosis involves a break from reality and is a psychiatric emergency. Delusions are not characteristic of postpartum depression.

Choice D rationale

Induced vomiting is a symptom associated with eating disorders, such as bulimia nervosa. While eating disorders can coexist with postpartum depression, induced vomiting is not a defining symptom of postpartum depression itself. It is a separate clinical finding.

Choice A rationale

Throwing away all stuffed animals is an unnecessary and extreme measure. The lice and nits are unlikely to survive for an extended period off the host. Sealing the items in an airtight bag for a specific duration is a more cost-effective and practical method to ensure any lice or nits are suffocated and die, preventing re-infestation.

Choice B rationale

Changing bed linen every 12 hours is not scientifically necessary. Lice and nits can survive for a limited time off the scalp, but not long enough to warrant such frequent changes. Changing and washing bedding and clothing in hot water and drying them on high heat once a day for a few days is sufficient to kill any lice or nits that may have fallen off.

Choice C rationale

Sealing all non-washable items in airtight bags for two weeks is a highly effective method. Lice and nits require a human host for survival, feeding on blood. Without a host, they will die from starvation within one to two weeks. Sealing items suffocates any remaining lice and ensures that any nits that may hatch will also die without a food source.

Choice D rationale

Soaking all hair items in alcohol is not a standard or recommended practice. While alcohol can be a disinfectant, it is not the primary method for treating lice and may damage the items. Combing with a fine-toothed nit comb, washing in hot water, or sealing items are more proven and safer methods for eradicating lice from personal belongings and preventing re-infestation.