A nurse is reinforcing teaching about lice with the parents of a school-age child at a well-child visit. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

A. Maintain seizure precautions:

While seizures can occur as a complication of bacterial meningitis, maintaining seizure precautions is not the nurse's priority at this stage. Prompt administration of antibiotics to address the underlying infection takes precedence over seizure precautions.

B. Document intake and output:

Documenting intake and output is an important nursing responsibility, but it is not the priority when a child is suspected of having bacterial meningitis. The immediate priority is to initiate antibiotic therapy to treat the infection and prevent further complications.

C. Administer antibiotics when available:

Administering antibiotics is the priority in the care of a child with suspected bacterial meningitis. Antibiotics are crucial for treating the infection and preventing its progression to reduce the risk of serious complications such as brain damage or death.

D. Reduce environmental stimuli:

While reducing environmental stimuli can help manage symptoms and discomfort in a child with bacterial meningitis, it is not the priority at this time. Initiating antibiotic therapy is essential to address the underlying infection, which takes precedence over environmental stimuli reduction.

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.