A mother explained that she had just dropped her 3-year-old off at her

A mother explained that she had just dropped her 3-year-old off at her own mother’s so she could come in for the required examination for her new job. She excitedly shared her hopes that she would be able to afford a used car rather than having to ride a

Which of the following would be the most appropriate response by the nurse?
a.
“I’m sure the exam won’t show any problems. I’m so excited for you.”
b.
“Don’t forget to buy a child’s seat when you get your car.”
c.
“How do you think your child will adapt to you being at work all day?”
d.
“It’s fantastic that you have a new job in this rough economy. Will your mother be able to continue to babysit?”

ESSAYBID ANSWER

ANS: B
Motor vehicle injuries are the leading cause of death for children over the age of 1 year in the United States. Many injuries occur because adults fail to secure children in car seats in the back seat of the vehicle or to insist that older children buckle up. The most important step that a parent can take to ensure a child’s safety in a motor vehicle is to correctly secure him or her into a car seat, or seat belt when the child is older, for each ride. Safety of the toddler should be the primary concern for the nurse in this situation. The nurse should focus on the safety of the child in the response. Telling the mother that the exam will not show any problems provides false reassurance to the mother, as problems may be detected. Asking if the woman’s mother will continue to babysit or how the child will adapt to the mother being at work are not relevant as this is a required examination for her new job.