A nurse is providing safety-related anticipatory guidance to parents of a toddler. Which of the following statements should the nurse use to educate the parents on safety during this stage?
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: A. "Sunburn is painful and increases risk of skin cancer in the future…": Sunscreen can be safely applied to children over 6 months of age, so stating it cannot be applied until after 3 years is inaccurate. While sun protection is important, the age restriction in this statement is misleading. B. "Toddlers fall frequently and therefore should wear a helmet…": Helmets are recommended for activities such as riding tricycles or riding in a bike seat, but not for general walking or everyday falls. While protective gear is important for specific activities, this statement overgeneralizes the need for constant helmet use. C. "Stairs are a leading cause of injury…": While stairs are a common source of injury, restricting toddlers entirely from stairs until age 4 is impractical. Using safety gates, close supervision, and teaching stair safety are the recommended strategies rather than complete restriction. D. "A leading cause of death during toddlerhood is drowning…": This accurately highlights a critical safety concern for toddlers. Even small amounts of water in bathtubs, toilets, or buckets can pose a fatal risk, emphasizing the need for constant supervision and preventive measures in the home.