Growth and Development Q 18
The mother of a nine (9)-year-old who is four (4) feet tall asks a nurse which of the following car safety devices is the most appropriate to use. The best nursing response is which of the following?
A. Booster belt
B. Seat belt
C. Front-facing convertible seat
D. Rear-facing convertible seat
Correct Answer: A. Booster belt
A belt-positioning booster seat is typically used for children whose weight or height exceeds the forward-facing limit for the car safety seat. This is applicable for ages 8-12-year-old and at least 4 feet, 9 inches tall. Booster seats can only be used with the adult lap and shoulder belt.
Option B: Children can start using a seat belt if they can easily rest their back against the seat of the vehicle and can bend their knees over the edge of the seat. Seatbelts must be worn correctly for them to work properly. Make sure the lap belt fits comfortably across the thighs (not the stomach) and that the child is not slouching. The shoulder strap should go across the chest and shoulder, and never goes beneath a child’s arm, behind the back, or across the neck.
Option C: When children outgrow their rear-facing seat, they are buckled in a forward-facing car seat until the age of five or when they reach the upper weight or height limit of the seat. Most convertible car seats can be used in the rear-facing position until a child reaches the weight limit, typically 40 to 50 pounds. At that point, the seat can be converted into a forward-facing car seat. These seats are larger and designed to stay installed in the vehicle.
Option D: Rear-facing–only seats are used for infants up to 22 to 45 pounds. All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing seat as long as possible until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat manufacturer. Most convertible seats have limits that will allow children to ride rear-facing for 2 years or more.