The mother of an 18-month-old male client shares with the nurse that s

The mother of an 18-month-old male client shares with the nurse that she is trying to get her child to tell her when he needs to have a bowel movement. Which of the following statements is the most appropriate response from the nurse?

1. “I’m sure that you will be glad to have your son out of diapers.”
2. “I once heard of a child who was totally potty-trained by the time he was a year old.”
3. “Development of neuromuscular control of the bowels doesn’t normally occur un-til a child is between 2 and 3 year of age.”
4. “You will have to really be persistent about taking him to the bathroom frequently in order to be successful.”

ANSWER

ANS: 3
Developmental changes affecting elimination occur throughout life. The infant is unable to con-trol defecation because of a lack of neuromuscular development. This development usually does not take place until 2 to 3 years of age.