The Parent of an 18-Month-Old Is Very Concerned Because the Baby

question 30

Multiple Choice

The parent of an 18-month-old is very concerned because the baby touches the genital area during diaper changes. How should the nurse respond to this concern?

• A) Genital stimulation should not be occurring until the age of 2 1/2 or 3.
• B) At 18 months, this touching is not a sexual experience.
• C) Babies are sexual beings, but this activity should be discouraged.
• D) Masturbation to orgasm is common and normal at this age.

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Definitions:

Edema

A condition characterized by an excess of watery fluid accumulating in the cavities or tissues of the body.

Inflamed

A condition characterized by redness, swelling, and often pain in a part of the body, typically as a reaction to injury or infection.

Puffy

Swollen, often used to describe parts of the body or areas of skin that are temporarily enlarged.

Neurons

Specialized cells of the nervous system responsible for transmitting information throughout the body through electrical and chemical signals.