Final answer:
The leading cause of fatal injury in children younger than 1 year is asphyxiation, often associated with SIDS. Parents need to be aware of risk factors like smoking and overheating in the home. Preventive education and care are essential for reducing these risks. Option c is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The home health nurse stresses to parents that the leading cause of fatal injury in children younger than 1 year of age is from asphyxiation. In the U.S., Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), where an infant stops breathing during sleep and unexpectedly dies, is one of the leading causes of death during the first year of life. Infants are at high risk for SIDS, and it is crucial to understand that factors such as premature birth, smoking in the home, and overheating are associated with an increased risk of SIDS.
It's important to recognize that some parents might unintentionally neglect their children due to various factors such as cultural values, standards of care, or poverty, which can lead to a hazardous level of neglect. Moreover, physical abuse, including shaken-baby syndrome, can cause severe injury to infants' brains. Hence, there is a need for vigilant care and proper education to prevent these fatal injuries.