A nurse is caring for a 4-year-old child who has croup and wet the bed overnight. When the parents visit the next day, the nurse explains the situation and one of the parents says, "She never wets the bed at home. I am so embarrassed." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A. "Your child did not seem upset, so I wouldn't worry about it if I were you." This dismisses the parent's feelings ("I wouldn't worry") and offers unwanted advice rather than education about the developmental norm. B. "It is expected for children who are hospitalized to regress. The toileting skills will return when your child is feeling better." Regression is a very common coping mechanism in toddlers and preschoolers during times of stress, illness, or hospitalization. A child who is fully potty-trained may wet the bed or demand a bottle. The nurse should normalize this behavior to reassure the parent that it is temporary and not a sign of a long-term problem. C. "Why does it bother you that your child has wet the bed?" As noted in previous questions, "Why" questions can feel judgmental and confrontational. D. "I know this can really be embarrassing. I have kids myself, so I understand, and it doesn't bother me." While this attempts empathy, it shifts the focus to the nurse ("I have kids," "it doesn't bother me") rather than explaining the medical/developmental reason for the behavior to the parent.