A nurse is reinforcing teaching about accidental drowning with the parents of a toddler. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A: Teaching the child to swim does not eliminate the risk of accidental drowning. While swimming skills are important, they cannot guarantee that a child will not drown, especially if they are unsupervised or encounter an unexpected situation in the water. Choice B: An adult should remain within arm's reach of the child when near water. Constant supervision is crucial because toddlers can move quickly and may not understand the dangers of water. Being within arm's reach allows the adult to react immediately if the child is in distress. Choice C: Most incidents of accidental drowning do not necessarily occur in ponds or lakes; they can happen in any body of water, including home swimming pools, bathtubs, and even buckets. Therefore, vigilance is required around all water sources. Choice D: Placing a fence around a pool can help prevent accidental drowning, but it does not ensure the safety of the child. A fence is a barrier but not a substitute for active supervision. It's also important that the fence is properly maintained and secured.