Maternity Nursing Q 162
When teaching parents about the child’s readiness for toilet training, which of the following signs should the nurse instruct them to watch for in the toddler?
A. Demonstrates dryness for 4 hours.
B. Demonstrates ability to sit and walk.
C. Has a new sibling for stimulation.
D. Verbalizes desire to go to the bathroom.
Correct Answer: D. Verbalizes desire to go to the bathroom
The child must be able to state the need to go to the bathroom to initiate toilet training. Toilet training is teaching the child to recognize their body signals for urinating and having a bowel movement. It also means teaching the child to use a potty chair or toilet correctly and at the appropriate times.
Option A: Usually, a child needs to be dry for only 2 hours, not 4 hours. Children develop at different rates. A child younger than 12 months has no control over bladder or bowel movements. There is very little control between 12 to 18 months. Most children don’t have bowel and bladder control until 24 to 30 months. The average age of toilet training is 27 months.
Option B: The child also must be able to sit, walk, and squat. Toilet training should start when your child shows signs that he or she is ready. There is no right age to begin. If you try to toilet train before your child is ready, it can be a battle for both you and your child. The ability to control bowel and bladder muscles comes with proper growth and development.
Option C: A new sibling would most likely hinder toilet training. If there are older siblings, ask them to let the younger child see you praising them for using the toilet.