Which statement describes anticipatory guidance provided by nurses?

• A. Only discharge planning
• B. Education on feeding, sleep safety, hygiene, and role changes
• C. Providing medications without clinician input
• D. Ignoring parental questions

Answer: (B)

Anticipatory guidance is proactive education given to families to prepare for upcoming developmental stages and safety needs. The statement that best describes this is one that covers a broad, practical set of topics nurses routinely discuss with parents: feeding practices and cues, safe sleep practices and environment, hygiene routines for the newborn, and how parenting roles and responsibilities may change as the child grows. This kind of guidance helps families anticipate challenges, implement safe routines, and feel more confident in caregiving. It isn’t limited to discharge planning, which is just one snapshot of care, and it isn’t about giving medications without clinician input or ignoring parents’ questions.