How should the nurse communicate with a toddler? 1. Talk to the child

QUESTION

How should the nurse communicate with a toddler?

1. Talk to the child as an adult so as not to baby the child.
2. Speak only to the parents because small children are not capable of communicating their needs.
3. Use both verbal and nonverbal techniques to adequately assess the child.
4. Allow the parents to communicate for the child.

ANSWER:

Correct Answer: 3

When communicating with infants and toddlers whose language skills are not well developed, the nurse may rely more on the child’s nonverbal communication. When speaking with the child, the nurse should use developmentally appropriate language. The nurse should talk with the toddler, including the parents as necessary for complete evaluation.