Final answer:
The nurse should respond to the mother's concern about her 2-year-old daughter's protruding abdomen by explaining that it is a normal part of growth and development. The nurse can also provide reassurance that the child's weight and growth are within normal limits. Practical tips for promoting a healthy lifestyle can be offered as well.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should respond to the mother's concern about her 2-year-old daughter's protruding abdomen in a supportive and informative manner. The nurse can explain that a protruding abdomen in young children is often a normal part of their growth and development. At this age, children have a relatively large liver and kidneys, which can contribute to a rounded belly appearance.
The nurse can also provide reassurance that the child's weight and overall growth are within normal limits, as assessed during the routine assessment. It's important to remind the mother that weight alone is not the sole indicator of whether a child is overweight. A comprehensive assessment of growth, including height, weight, and body mass index (BMI), should be considered to determine if a child is at a healthy weight.
Furthermore, the nurse can offer practical tips to promote a healthy lifestyle for the child, such as encouraging regular physical activity and providing a well-balanced diet with appropriate portion sizes. Emphasizing the importance of modeling healthy behaviors as parents and cultivating a positive body image at a young age can also be beneficial.