A child has an avulsed (knocked-out) tooth. In which medium should the nurse instruct the parents to place the tooth for transport to the dentist?

The correct answer is choice C.

Choice C rationale:

Placing the avulsed tooth in cold milk is the most suitable medium for transporting it to the dentist. Cold milk helps preserve the viability of the tooth's cells and tissues, which is crucial for successful reimplantation. The temperature and composition of cold milk provide a suitable environment to prevent cell damage.

Choice A rationale:

Placing the tooth in a dry, clean jar is not recommended. A dry environment can cause the tooth's cells to dry out and become nonviable, making reimplantation less successful.

Choice B rationale:

Warm salt water is not the optimal choice for transporting an avulsed tooth. Warm water can cause damage to the tooth's cells, and salt water may not provide the necessary conditions to maintain the tooth's viability.

Choice D rationale:

Placing the tooth in cold water might seem logical, but it is not as effective as cold milk. Cold water lacks the protective properties and nutrients that milk provides, potentially leading to a higher risk of cell damage in the avulsed tooth.

The correct answer is choice D. It is a belief common at this age.

Choice A rationale:

The statement does not suggest a failed attempt to develop a conscience. The scenario described is more related to the cognitive development of an 8-year-old child. Children at this age often have magical thinking and may interpret events, such as illness, as punishments for perceived wrongdoing. This is a normal aspect of their cognitive development rather than a reflection of a failed attempt to develop a conscience.

Choice B rationale:

While beliefs about punishment and consequences are present in many religions, the scenario is not about a general religious belief but rather a specific belief held by the individual child. This belief is reflective of the child's cognitive understanding and not necessarily a religious teaching common to most religions.

Choice C rationale:

The belief is not necessarily suggestive of excessive family pressure. While family dynamics can influence a child's beliefs and behaviors, the scenario describes a typical cognitive developmental stage where children are still learning to differentiate between reality and their own thoughts, leading to magical thinking and unique interpretations.

Choice D rationale:

The belief is indeed common at this age. During middle childhood, children often exhibit concrete operational thinking, which includes a tendency to interpret events in a self-centered and concrete manner. Beliefs like the one described in the scenario, where the child connects her illness to perceived bad behavior and potential consequences, are characteristic of this developmental stage.