A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a parent about appropriate snacks for a toddler. Which of the following foods should the nurse include?

The correct answer is b. "I will apply petroleum jelly to the penis with each diaper change."

Choice A rationale:

• It is incorrect to focus on removing all yellow exudate.A small amount of yellow exudate is normal during the healing process after circumcision.Attempting to aggressively clean it off can irritate the delicate healing tissues and cause discomfort for the baby.
• Instead,parents should gently cleanse the area with warm water during diaper changes,allowing any mild exudate to naturally drain.

Choice B rationale:

• Applying petroleum jelly with each diaper change is an essential step in promoting healing and preventing discomfort after circumcision.Here's why:
  • Protects against moisture:Petroleum jelly forms a barrier that protects the delicate healing tissues from moisture from urine and feces.This helps to prevent irritation and keeps the area clean.
  • Reduces friction:The lubricating properties of petroleum jelly reduce friction between the penis and the diaper,which can minimize discomfort and pain for the baby.
  • Promotes healing:Petroleum jelly creates a moist environment that promotes healing and reduces scab formation.This helps the circumcision site to heal faster and more comfortably.

Choice C rationale:

• While ensuring a proper diaper fit is important for overall hygiene,it's not the most crucial aspect of post-circumcision care.A snug diaper can put unnecessary pressure on the healing penis,potentially causing irritation and discomfort.It's generally recommended to choose a diaper that fits comfortably without being too tight.

Choice D rationale:

• Using soap to wash the penis is not recommended during the healing process.Soap can be harsh and drying to the delicate tissues,potentially causing irritation and delaying healing.
• Warm water is sufficient for cleansing the area during diaper changes.

b. Rationalization

Explanation:

The correct answer is b. Rationalization.

Rationalization is a defense mechanism characterized by the individual's atempt to justify or explain their behavior or actions in a way that makes it more acceptable to themselves or others. It involves providing logical-sounding reasons or excuses to mask or minimize the real underlying reasons for their behavior.

In this scenario, the client is atributing their recent behavior to the loss of their job, using it as a justification or explanation for their actions. By blaming the job loss, they are rationalizing their behavior as a direct result of the circumstances they faced.

Option a, Projection, involves atributing one's own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or behaviors to others.

This defense mechanism does not apply to the client's statement about their job loss.

Option c, Repression, involves the unconscious blocking of unwanted thoughts or feelings. It does not relate to the client's behavior or their explanation for it.

Option d, Sublimation, is a defense mechanism where an individual channels or redirects unacceptable impulses or emotions into socially acceptable behaviors or activities. It is not applicable in this context since the client is not expressing their emotions or impulses through alternative constructive means.

By identifying the client's explanation as rationalization, the nurse recognizes the defense mechanism being used and gains insight into how the client is coping with their emotions and justifying their behavior in response to the job loss. This understanding can guide the nurse in providing appropriate support and interventions to help the client manage their anger more effectively.