A nurse is teaching a parent of a 10-month-old infant about home safety. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
Explanation & Rationale
Infant developmental milestones at ten months include crawling, pulling to stand, and pincer grasp. Home safety teaching must address these increased mobility levels and the inherent risks of falls, choking, and poisoning by applying environmental modifications and physical barriers. Choice A rationale At ten months, infants are often mobile and curious. Installing gates at both the top and bottom of stairs is a primary prevention strategy to prevent falls, which are a leading cause of injury at this stage. Choice B rationale Toy chests with heavy, hinged lids pose a significant risk of entrapment or crushing injuries to an infant's head or hands. Safety standards recommend chests with no lids or those with lightweight, removable lids to ensure safety. Choice C rationale Labels on toxic substances contain vital information for emergency responders and poison control centers, including ingredients and first-aid measures. Removing them increases the risk of incorrect treatment following an accidental ingestion or chemical exposure. Choice D rationale Toilet lids should be kept closed and ideally secured with a safety lock. Infants are top-heavy and can easily fall into an open toilet while pulling themselves up, leading to a high risk of accidental drowning. Choice E rationale As infants reach ten months, they can pull themselves to a standing position. Lowering the crib mattress to the lowest setting prevents the child from climbing over or falling out of the crib as they grow..