A 7-month-old girl is to be catheterized so a sterile urine specimen may be obtained. one of the infant's parents expresses fear that this procedure may traumatize the baby psychologically. how should the nurse provide reassurance

The 7-month-old infant is accustomed to having the perineal area exposed and cared for and is not in a developmental stage in which fears related to sexuality are present. A "clean catch" at this age is often contaminated; therefore catheterization has been prescribed. The parents do have the right to refuse, but this concern is not realistic an infant of this age. The parent's concern is not appropriate for the developmental age of the infant.