The nurse is planning care for an 18 month-old child. Which of the following should be included the in the child’s care.. Encourage the child to feed himself finger food

The nurse is planning care for an 18 month-old child.

Which of the following should be included the in the child’s care?

• a- Hold and cuddle the child often
• b- Encourage the child to feed himself finger food
• c- Allow the child to walk independently on the nursing unit
• d- Engage the child in games with other children

Answer B.

According to Erikson, the toddler is in the stage of autonomy versus shame and doubt.

The nurse should encourage increasingly independent activities of daily living.

The best choices for an 18-month-old child's care on a nursing unit are:

a. Hold and cuddle the child often:

This provides comfort and security, especially in an unfamiliar environment like a hospital.

b. Encourage the child to feed himself finger food:

This promotes development of fine motor skills and independence.

d. Engage the child in games with other children:

Social interaction is important for development, and supervised play can be enjoyable and stimulating.

However, c. Allow the child to walk independently on the nursing unit: is not the best choice. While some independent exploration is okay, an 18-month-old child needs close supervision due to safety risks like falls, getting lost, and tampering with equipment.

Therefore, the most appropriate options for the child's care are a, b, and d.

Here's a breakdown of why the other options are not ideal:

- Option c:

Walking independently could lead to falls or injuries due to uneven surfaces, obstacles, or unexpected doors.

- Option a:

While essential, it should be balanced with encouraging some independent exploration.

Remember, the child's safety and well-being are paramount. Choosing activities that promote development while minimizing risks is crucial.