Question

The nurse is performing an oral examination on a preschool child. Which strategies should the nurse use to encourage the child to open the mouth for the examination?

a. Avoid mentioning the examination until the last moment.
b. Use a flashlight to examine the mouth.
c. Encourage the child to play with the tongue depressor.
d. Discuss the benefits of good oral hygiene.

Answer 1

To encourage a preschool child to open their mouth for an oral examination, the nurse should encourage the child to play with the tongue depressor and discuss the benefits of good oral hygiene. Creating a calm and non-threatening environment is also important.

Step-by-step explanation:

To encourage a preschool child to open their mouth for an oral examination, the nurse should use strategies that make the experience comfortable and engaging. One effective strategy is to encourage the child to play with the tongue depressor before the examination. The nurse can demonstrate how the tongue depressor can be used as a tool for exploring the mouth, creating a sense of curiosity and familiarity. Another strategy is to discuss the benefits of good oral hygiene. By explaining how regular oral care helps keep the teeth and gums healthy, the child may be more motivated to cooperate with the examination. It is also important to create a calm and non-threatening environment by using a friendly and reassuring approach.