Growth and Development of the Toddler

1. Bill and Ted are a domestic couple that have brought in their 30-month-old daughter, Victoria, complaining of a runny nose, cough, and low-grade fever. Bill and Ted adopted Victoria at birth. The biological mother was a teenager who chose to give her child up for adoption and Bill and Ted provided financial support to ensure that she received the appropriate prenatal care. Her pregnancy and delivery were unremarkable. She has had no contact with Victoria or her fathers since the birth. The nurse practitioner determined that the symptoms are attributed to an upper respiratory tract infection (URI) or common cold and recommended that it be treated symptomatically. While in the office, Bill and Ted have some questions regarding Victoria's behavior. They explain that she has become more defiant, repeatedly responding to their questions or commands with "no" or temper tantrums. Neither Bill nor Ted has been a parent before adopting Victoria and they are concerned that they are to blame for her behavior. (Learning Objectives 1, 5, and 12)

a. What can the nurse teach Bill and Ted about the psychosocial or cognitive development of a toddler that would help them understand Victoria's behavior?

b. What can the nurse teach Bill and Ted regarding promoting appropriate discipline for Victoria?

c. What is "temperament" and how would it influence Victoria's behavior?