The parent of a 2-week-old infant, exclusively breastfed, asks ...

[torybrooks]

The parent of a 2-week-old infant, exclusively breastfed, asks the nurse if fluoride supplements are needed. The nurse's best response should be:
 
  a. She needs to begin taking them now.
  b. They are not needed if you drink fluoridated water.
  c. She may need to begin taking them at age 4 months.
  d. She can have infant cereal mixed with fluoridated water instead of supplements.

Question 2

Parents tell the nurse that their 1-year-old son often sleeps with them. They seem unconcerned about this. The nurse's response should be based on which statement?
 
  a. Children should not sleep with their parents.
  b. Separation from parents should be completed by this age.
  c. Daytime attention should be increased.
  d. This is a common and accepted practice, especially in some cultural groups.

[britb2u]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Fluoride supplementation is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics beginning at age 4 months if the child is not drinking adequate amounts of fluoridated water. The amount of water that is ingested and the amount of fluoride in the water are taken into account when supplementation is being considered.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Co-sleeping, or sharing the family bed, in which the parents allow the children to sleep with them, is a common and accepted practice in many cultures. Parents should evaluate the options available and avoid conditions that place the infant at risk. Population-based studies are currently under way; no evidence at this time supports or condemns the practice for safety reasons. Co-sleeping is a cultural practice. One year is the age at which children are just beginning to individuate. Increased daytime activity may help decrease sleep problems in general, but co-sleeping is a culturally determined phenomenon.