A nurse is teaching about growth and development to a parent of a 12-year-old child. The nurse should instruct the parent to expect the child to exhibit which of the following characteristics during early adolescence?

Choice A reason:

This option addresses electrical safety, which is important for preventing shocks and strangulation hazards in toddlers. However, it does not directly prevent burn injuries from hot water, which is the focus of the question. While hiding wires reduces overall household risks, it does not mitigate scalding hazards. Therefore, this choice is not the correct answer in the context of hot water burn prevention.

Choice B reason:

Turning pot handles toward the back of the stove is a well-known safety measure to prevent toddlers from pulling down hot pots and pans. This reduces the risk of scalds and burns in the kitchen environment. However, the question specifically emphasizes hot water burns, which are more commonly caused by tap water and bathing accidents. Thus, while helpful, this measure does not directly address the hazard highlighted in the scenario.

Choice C reason:

Encouraging outdoor play outside peak sun hours is a measure aimed at reducing sunburn and heat exposure. Sunburn is technically a type of burn, but it is not related to hot water scalds. The question focuses on preventing injuries from household hot water sources, making this option less relevant. While beneficial for overall child safety, it does not answer the specific teaching point.

Choice D reason:

Setting the water heater to 49°C (120°F) is the most effective intervention to prevent scald injuries from hot water in toddlers. Toddlers are at high risk of burns during bathing or when exposed to hot tap water. Lowering the water heater temperature reduces the severity of burns if accidental exposure occurs. This measure directly addresses the hazard in the question, making it the correct answer.

Choice A reason: Loosening tight clothing around the child's neck is important to ensure that the child can breathe easily and to prevent any additional discomfort or injury during the seizure.

Choice B reason: It is not recommended to firmly hold the child's arms to one side as this can cause injury. Instead, the nurse should ensure the child's safety by clearing the area of any hard or sharp objects.

Choice C reason: Placing a pillow under the child's head can help to protect the head from injury during the seizure. It provides a soft cushion to prevent the child from hitting their head on hard surfaces.

Choice D reason: Inserting a tongue blade into the child's mouth is not advised as it can cause injury to the child's mouth or teeth, and there is a risk of the child biting down and breaking the blade.

Choice E reason: Clearing the area of hard objects is crucial to prevent injury to the child during the seizure. Removing any potential hazards ensures a safer environment for the child to move without harm.