The nurse working in a pediatrician's office receives a call from the mother of a 2 1/2-year-old who reports that her child is active and happy but his appetite has declined, and wants advice on what to do. The nurse tells the mother:

Question

1. "This is normal. Just make sure the food he eats is nutritious."
2. "Take the child's temperature and call back if it is elevated, because he might be sick."
3. "Give the child ibuprofen before meals to help reduce teething pain."
4. "Let's make an appointment for him to be seen today so the doctor can see what's wrong with him."

Answer 1

1
Rationale: Children tend to eat less during slower periods of growth, including between ages 2 and 3. Parents should try to make sure the child eats nutritious foods when he is hungry and avoid offering empty-calorie snacks between meals.