A parent asks what the maximum safe temperature for a water heater should be to prevent childhood scalding injuries. What does the nurse recommend?

120°F (49°C) is the recommended maximum water heater setting to prevent scalding burns in children. At 140°F, scalding occurs in 5 seconds; at 120°F, it takes approximately 5 minutes — providing time to react. Young children have thinner, more sensitive skin and cannot react as quickly as adults. This is a standard anticipatory guidance recommendation at well-child visits for families with young children or elderly family members (also at higher scalding risk). LPN role: deliver this preventive education at appropriate well-child visits.