A nurse is participating in the care of a 4-year-old child as part of the interdisciplinary team. Which of the following observations should the nurse report to the physical therapist?

A) "Tape the tube to the child's cheek."
Taping the tube to the child's cheek is not appropriate for securing a gastrostomy enteral tube. The tube should be securely anchored to the child's abdomen to prevent dislodgment or irritation. Taping to the cheek can lead to unnecessary friction or skin breakdown.

B) "Secure the tubing to the child's abdomen."
The proper method to secure a gastrostomy tube is to anchor the tubing to the child’s abdomen with a specialized securing device or adhesive bandage. This ensures the tube remains in place, minimizing movement and preventing irritation or accidental removal. Proper securing also promotes comfort and safety for the child.

C) "Apply water-soluble lubricant to the site."
Water-soluble lubricant should not be applied directly to the gastrostomy site. This can cause irritation or create a barrier that inhibits proper healing. Instead, the site should be kept clean and dry, with appropriate care to prevent infection or breakdown.

D) "Attach an extension tube to the site's opening prior to use."
While attaching an extension tube may be necessary for feeding or drainage, this action is not related to site care. The focus of site care is to ensure the gastrostomy tube remains securely in place, and the skin around the site is maintained without infection or irritation. Extension tubes are used for feeding or medication administration, not for routine site care.

A) The child is unable to skate with good balance.
At 4 years old, a child’s balance and coordination are still developing. While skating requires more advanced skills, a child not having good balance at this age is not typically a concern unless other motor skills are delayed. Skating is not an expected milestone for a 4-year-old.

B) The child is unable to jump rope.
Jumping rope is a more complex skill that typically develops later, closer to ages 5 or 6, so the inability to do so at age 4 is not a cause for concern. It is a skill that requires fine motor coordination, balance, and timing, which may not be fully developed at this age.

C) The child is unable to walk downstairs on alternating feet.
At 4 years old, children are expected to be able to walk downstairs using alternating feet (one foot on each step). If a child cannot perform this task, it may indicate a delay in gross motor development, specifically in coordination and balance. This is a developmental milestone that typically emerges by age 4 and should be reported to the physical therapist for further evaluation.

D) The child is unable to walk backwards from heel to toe.
Walking backwards from heel to toe is a more advanced skill that typically develops later in childhood. This skill is not expected at age 4, so the child’s inability to do so is not a red flag for developmental concerns. It is more appropriate for older children.