Question

A parent asks a nurse for suggestions because a 2-year-old child wants to take a bath alone. What is the most appropriate suggestion that the nurse should provide?

1) Allow the child to wash herself with supervision.
2) Distract the child with other activities.
3) Instruct the child on how to take a bath alone.
4) Punish the child for insisting on taking a bath alone.

Answer 1

The nurse should suggest that the parent allows the 2-year-old child to wash herself under supervision to nurture independence while ensuring safety due to drowning risks.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate suggestion that a nurse should provide to a parent whose 2-year-old child wants to bathe alone is to allow the child to wash herself with supervision. At this stage of development, toddlers are asserting their independence and showing a desire to take part in self-care activities. However, they require supervision due to safety concerns, particularly around water, where there is a risk of drowning. Allowing a toddler to participate in her bath under the watchful eye of a parent nurtures her growing sense of autonomy and helps resolve the issue of autonomy versus shame and doubt, an important developmental milestone in establishing independence.