Question

A nurse is teaching the parents of a toddler who has a cognitive impairment about toilet training. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A) "Wait until your child initiates interest in toilet training."
B) "Use punishment for accidents to reinforce the importance of toilet use."
C) "Toilet training should be completed by 18 months of age."
D) "Avoid a consistent schedule for toilet breaks."

Answer 1

Instruct parents on the importance of consistent toilet breaks and positive reinforcement during toilet training for a toddler with a cognitive impairment, while acknowledging that completion by a set age is not necessary.The correct multiple-choice option is (c).

Step-by-step explanation:

When providing instructions to parents of a toddler with a cognitive impairment regarding toilet training, the nurse should emphasize methods that are supportive, consistent, and adaptable to the child's individual development. An appropriate approach to toilet training would be to set a regular schedule for toilet breaks as it helps the child in associating the schedule with the act of using the toilet. It is crucial to be patient and offer positive reinforcement rather than punishment for accidents.

Toilet training should be in accordance with the child's readiness, which may vary significantly among children, especially those with cognitive impairments. It's not necessary for toilet training to be completed by a certain age, such as 18 months, as children develop at their own pace. It is also not advised to wait until a child shows interest in toilet training before beginning the process. Consistency and a routine can be more beneficial than waiting for a sign from the child.

The correct multiple-choice option is (c).