Nclex Practice Questions 2024 Related

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A nurse is teaching the mother of an 11-month-old infant how to clean the infant's teeth. The nurse tells the mother to take which action?

  • A. Use a small amount of toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush
  • B. Use water and a cotton swab and rub the teeth
  • C. Use diluted fluoride and rub the teeth with a soft washcloth
  • D. Dip the infant's pacifier in maple syrup so that the infant will suck
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct action when cleaning an infant's teeth is to use water and a cotton swab to gently rub the teeth. This method helps in removing any food particles or plaque buildup without the risks associated with toothpaste ingestion. Using a small amount of toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush is not recommended for infants as they may swallow the toothpaste, leading to potential fluoride ingestion issues. Using diluted fluoride and rubbing the teeth with a soft washcloth is unnecessary at this age since infants typically receive fluoride through other sources like formula. Dipping the infant's pacifier in maple syrup is highly inappropriate and poses a significant risk of tooth decay due to the high sugar content, which can harm the infant's teeth.