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? (Select all that apply.)
Explanation & Rationale
A. Keep toilet lids in the upright position: Toilet lids should be kept closed and secured rather than upright. Open toilet lids increase the risk of drowning for infants who can crawl and pull themselves up but lack the ability to right themselves if they fall in. B. Place gates at the top and bottom of the stairs: Safety gates at both the top and bottom of stairs help prevent falls, which are a major cause of injury in infants who are mobile but lack coordination. Gates should be securely mounted to withstand leaning or pushing. C. Select a toy chest that has a heavy, hinged lid: Heavy, hinged lids pose a risk of entrapment and injury if they fall closed. Toy chests should have lightweight lids or safety hinges that prevent sudden closure to reduce injury risk. D. Ensure the crib mattress is in the lowest position: Lowering the crib mattress reduces the risk of falls as the infant begins to pull to stand. This adjustment is important around this age to maintain a safe sleep environment. E. Remove labels from containers that contain toxic substances: Labels provide critical information for poison identification and emergency treatment. Containers with toxic substances should remain clearly labeled and be stored securely out of reach instead of having labels removed.