Final answer:
The nurse will inform the parent that preschool-aged children generally need about 10-13 hours of sleep per 24 hours, with variability among individual children. Some preschoolers might have trouble settling down after active days but do not necessarily need a nap every day at age five.
Step-by-step explanation:
When discussing the sleep needs of a preschooler with a nurse, there are several key points that a parent may learn. Firstly, although many preschoolers do sleep soundly throughout the night, it is not unusual for some to experience difficulties settling down after a busy day. Sleep habits vary among children, just as they do across the lifespan. Second, the idea that a 5-year-old needs a nap every day might be excessive for some preschoolers, depending on their individual needs and sleep patterns at night. Third, the National Sleep Foundation suggests that preschool-aged children generally require about 10-13 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, which can include naps.
Therefore, it is crucial to understand that while some preschoolers may occasionally have trouble settling down, on average, they should secure around 10-13 hours of sleep, inclusive of naps, based on developmental sleep needs. It's important for parents to observe their child's behavior and adjust sleep times accordingly to ensure the child is well-rested and able to function optimally during the day.