12-month-old boy weighed 8 lb 2 oz at birth. Understanding developmental milestones, what should the nurse caring for the child expect the current weight to be?

A. "I know this can be embarrassing. I have kids myself so I understand, and it doesn't bother me."

This response acknowledges the child's feelings and reassures the parents that bedwetting is a common occurrence, especially during hospitalization. It also demonstrates empathy by sharing a personal experience. However, it may not address the parents' concerns about their child's bedwetting or provide information on how to manage it.

B. "Children who are hospitalized often regress. The toileting skills will return when your child is feeling better."

This response provides an explanation for the bedwetting incident, reassuring the parents that it is a common response to hospitalization and will likely resolve once the child feels better. It offers support and normalization of the behavior, which can help alleviate the parents' concerns.

C. "I will discuss your child's loss of bladder control with the provider."

This response indicates that the nurse will address the issue with the healthcare provider, which is appropriate if further evaluation or intervention is needed. However, it may not directly address the parents' concerns or provide immediate reassurance.

D. "Why is she wetting the bed in the hospital? She must wet the bed at home."

This response may come across as accusatory or judgmental, which can increase parental anxiety or guilt. It does not provide reassurance or support to the parents and does not address the child's immediate needs.

A. "I will have to feed my baby formula, rather than breast milk." - This statement indicates a misunderstanding. Breast milk is generally preferred for infants with gastroesophageal reflux (GER) because it is more easily digested and less likely to exacerbate reflux symptoms compared to formula. Breastfeeding mothers may be encouraged to continue breastfeeding, and formula-fed infants may benefit from specialized formulas designed to reduce reflux symptoms.

B. "I should move my baby into a side-lying position during sleep." - This statement indicates a misunderstanding. Placing an infant in a side-lying position during sleep is not recommended due to the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Instead, infants with GER should be placed on their back to sleep, as recommended by safe sleep guidelines. Elevating the head of the crib or bassinet slightly may also help reduce reflux symptoms during sleep.

C. "My baby's formula can be thickened with oatmeal." - This statement indicates an understanding of the teaching. Thickening formula with oatmeal or rice cereal can help reduce gastroesophageal reflux (GER) symptoms in infants by making the formula heavier and less likely to reflux back into the esophagus. However, this should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider to ensure proper preparation and feeding technique.

D. "I will keep my baby in an upright position after feedings." - This statement indicates an understanding of the teaching. Keeping the baby in an upright position after feedings can help reduce reflux symptoms by allowing gravity to keep the stomach contents down. Parents can hold the baby upright on their shoulder or in an infant seat for a period of time after feeding to minimize reflux episodes.