Final answer:
The nurse should include that respiratory disorders, specifically asthma, are the most common reason for hospitalization in children under the age of 5. Even though the range of reasons is broad, this particular reason tops the list, and measures like immunization and hygiene can help reduce hospitalizations.
Step-by-step explanation:
When developing a presentation to a group of parents about hospitalization and children, the nurse would include that respiratory disorders are the major reason for hospitalization in children under age 5. One of the most common respiratory conditions affecting children is asthma, and it is the most frequent cause of hospitalization in this age group. This is reinforced by the fact that asthma affects approximately 9.4 percent of children in the United States and is a significant cause of medical care and treatment in hospital settings.
For older adolescents, the most common reason for hospitalization is often traumatic injury, but it is essential to note that the scope of reasons for hospitalization amongst children is quite broad and can include illnesses like pneumonia, which is a leading cause of death for children under five, especially in low-income countries where access to healthcare is limited.
In addition to medical reasons, social factors such as poverty, cultural values, and standard of care can also influence the health and welfare of children, potentially leading to neglect and subsequent hospitalization. Moreover, proper immunization and hygiene practices can significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization in children, such as the use of rotavirus vaccine to prevent gastroenteritis and frequent hand washing to reduce the spread of pathogens.