The parent of a 1-year-old says to the nurse, "I would like to start toilet training my child as soon as possible." What information does the nurse provide to the parent that correctly describes a child's readiness for toilet training?

Question

The parent of a 1-year-old says to the nurse, "I would like to start toilet training my child as soon as possible."  What information does the nurse provide to the parent that correctly describes a child's readiness for toilet training?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Toilet training is a major developmental achievement for the toddler. The degree of readiness progresses relative to development of neuromuscular maturity with voluntary control of the anal and urethral sphincters occurring at age 18-24 months. Bowel training is less complex than bladder training; bladder training requires more self-awareness and self-discipline from the child and is usually achieved at age 2½-3½ years. In addition to physiological factors, developmental milestones rather than the child's chronological age signal a child's readiness for toilet training. These include the ability to: Ambulate to and sit on the toilet Remain dry for several hours or through a nap Pull clothes up and down Understand a two-step command Express the need to use the toilet (urge to defecate or urinate) Imitate the toilet habits of adults or older siblings Express an interest in toilet training (Option A) In order to achieve toilet training, the child will need to be able to pull clothing up and down but not necessarily dress and undress autonomously. (Option B) Having the child sit on the toilet until urination occurs is not appropriate and will not facilitate bladder control; any urination that occurs is accidental and not due to sphincter control. However, the child should have the ability to remain on the toilet for about 5 - 8 minutes without getting off or crying. (Option D) Age 15 months is too early to begin toilet training; voluntary control of the anal and urethral sphincters does not occur until age 18-24 months. Educational objective: Readiness for toilet training is dependent on the child's ability to voluntarily control the anal and urethral sphincters, which usually occurs at age 18-24 months. Other developmental and behavioral indicators of toilet training readiness include the child's ability to express the urge to defecate or urinate, understand simple commands, pull clothing up and down, and walk to and sit on the toilet.

The Parent of a 1-Year-Old Says to the Nurse, "I