Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

Which statement by a parent indicates an understanding of home safety for toddlers?

1. I lock my medications in the medicine cabinet.

2. I keep my child's crib mattress at the highest level.

3. I turn pot handles to the side of my stove while cooking.

4. I will give my child syrup of ipecac if she swallows something poisonous.

The correct answer is: I lock my medications in the medicine cabinet.

The statement about locking medications in the medicine cabinet indicates a strong understanding of home safety for toddlers. This is critical because young children are naturally curious and may explore their environment, including cabinets where potentially harmful substances like medications are stored. By securing these items out of reach or in a locked cabinet, the parent is taking essential steps to prevent accidental poisoning, which is a common risk in this age group. In this context, the other statements do not demonstrate the same level of understanding of safety. For instance, keeping the crib mattress at the highest level can pose a risk, as it increases the likelihood of the child climbing out and falling. Turning pot handles to the side while cooking is a good safety practice, but it is more of a secondary precaution compared to the importance of removing access to medications. Lastly, giving syrup of ipecac is outdated advice; current guidelines recommend against using it for poisonings. Therefore, the focus on securing medications reflects a sound understanding of maintaining a safe environment for toddlers.