The parents of a newborn say that their toddler "hates the baby . . . he suggested that we put him in the trash can so the trash truck could take him away." The nurse's best reply is:

Question

a. "Let's see if we can figure out why he hates the new baby."
b. "That's a strong statement to come from such a small boy."
c. "Let's refer him to counseling to work this hatred out. It's not a normal response."
d. "That is a normal response to the birth of a sibling. Let's look at ways to deal with this."

Answer 1

ANS: D
The arrival of a new infant represents a crisis for even the best-prepared toddler. Toddlers have their entire schedule and routines disrupted because of the new family member. The nurse should work with parents on ways to involve the toddler in the newborn's care and help focus attention on the toddler. The toddler does not hate the infant. This is an expected response to the changes in routines and attention that affect the toddler. This is a normal response. The toddler can be provided with a doll to tend to its needs when the parent is performing similar care for the newborn.