A nurse is caring for a client who is 12 hours postpartum. The nurse recognizes the client is in the dependent, taking-in phase of maternal postpartum adjustment. Which of the following is an expected finding during this period?
Expressions of excitement
Lack of appetite
Eagerness to learn newborn care skills
Focus on the family unit and its members
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
Expressions of excitement are an expected finding during the taking-in phase of maternal postpartum adjustment. This is the time of reflection for the woman because, within the 2 to 3-day period, the woman is passive and dependent on her healthcare provider or support person with some of the daily tasks and decision-making. The woman prefers to talk about her experiences during labor and birth and also her pregnancy. The taking-in phase provides time for the woman to regain her physical strength and organize her rambling thoughts about her new role.
Choice B reason:
Lack of appetite is not an expected finding during the taking-in phase of maternal postpartum adjustment. The woman is oriented primarily to her own needs and she primarily focuses on sleeping and eating. She may have increased appetite due to the energy expenditure during labor and delivery. Lack of appetite may indicate postpartum depression or other complications.
Choice C reason:
Eagerness to learn newborn care skills is not an expected finding during the taking-in phase of maternal postpartum adjustment. This is more characteristic of the taking-hold phase, which starts 2 to 4 days after delivery. The woman starts to initiate actions on her own and make decisions without relying on others. She starts to focus on the newborn instead of herself and begins to actively participate in newborn care.
Choice D reason:
Focus on the family unit and its members is not an expected finding during the taking-in phase of maternal postpartum adjustment. This is more indicative of the letting-go phase, which occurs when the woman finally accepts her new role and gives up her old role. This is the phase where postpartum depression may set in. Readjustment of the relationship is needed for an easy transition to this phase.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:

Drying the newborn's skin thoroughly is the nurse's priority after assuring a patent airway because it reduces evaporative heat loss by the newborn and prevents cold stress. Cold stress can lead to hypoxia, hypoglycemia, acidosis, and increased bilirubin levels. Drying the newborn also stimulates breathing and crying, which are signs of a healthy newborn.
Choice B reason:
Administering phytonadione IM is not the nurse's priority because it is not an immediate life-saving intervention. Phytonadione is given to prevent hemorrhagic disease of the newborn, which is caused by vitamin K deficiency. However, this condition usually occurs after the first day of life, so administering phytonadione can be delayed until after the initial assessment and stabilization of the newborn.
Choice C reason:
Documenting the Apgar score is not the nurse's priority because it is not an action that directly affects the newborn's well-being. The Apgar score is a tool to assess the newborn's condition at 1 and 5 minutes after birth based on five criteria: heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color. The Apgar score can help guide the nurse's interventions, but it is not more important than providing care to the newborn.
Choice D reason:
Applying identification bands is not the nurse's priority because it is not an urgent or essential action. Identification bands are used to ensure the safety and security of the newborn and prevent errors or mix-ups. However, applying identification bands can be done after the newborn is dried, warmed, and assessed for any problems.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
All milk- and lactose-containing formulas, including breast milk, must be stopped during infancy. Soy protein is the formula of choice for newborns and infants with galactosemia. Breast milk should not be used in newborns and infants with galactosemia because it contains galactose, which they cannot metabolize properly.
Choice B reason:
Adding amino acids to the breast milk will not help the newborn with galactosemia, because the problem is not a lack of amino acids, but a deficiency of the enzyme that breaks down galactose. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, not sugars.
Choice C reason:
Substituting a lactose-containing formula for breast milk will worsen the condition of the newborn with galactosemia because lactose is composed of glucose and galactose. The newborns will still be exposed to galactose, which will accumulate in the blood and tissues and cause damage.
Choice D reason:
Giving the appropriate enzyme along with breast milk is not a feasible option for the newborn with galactosemia, because there is no oral enzyme replacement therapy available for this condition. The only treatment is dietary restriction of galactose.
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