A nurse is completing a home visit to a mother who is 3 days postpartum and breastfeeding her newborn. The mother expresses concern about the amount of weight the newborn has lost since birth. Which of the following is a response the nurse should make?
“The cause might be too short or infrequent feedings.”
“It is due to the newborn’s loss of the influence of the maternal hormones.”
“This might be related to your baby having 3 stools a day.”
“You might want to offer water supplements between feedings.”
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
“The cause might be too short or infrequent feedings.”: Newborns typically lose weight in the first few days after birth, which is normal. However, if the weight loss is significant, it could be due to inadequate feeding. Breastfed newborns should be fed 8-12 times in 24 hours to ensure they are getting enough milk. Short or infrequent feedings can lead to insufficient intake, resulting in weight loss2. Ensuring proper latch and feeding techniques can help address this issue.
Choice B reason:
“It is due to the newborn’s loss of the influence of the maternal hormones.”: While maternal hormones do influence the newborn, their loss is not a primary cause of significant weight loss. The initial weight loss is more related to fluid loss and the transition to breastfeeding.
Choice C reason:
“This might be related to your baby having 3 stools a day.”: Frequent stools are common in newborns, especially those who are breastfed. While it can contribute to weight loss, it is usually not the main cause of significant weight loss. Monitoring the baby’s feeding and ensuring they are getting enough milk is more critical.
Choice D reason:
“You might want to offer water supplements between feedings.”: Offering water supplements to a newborn is not recommended, especially for breastfed babies. Breast milk provides all the necessary hydration and nutrients. Introducing water can interfere with breastfeeding and reduce the baby’s intake of breast milk, potentially leading to further weight loss.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Cocaine use is a significant risk factor for placental abruption. Cocaine causes vasoconstriction, which can lead to reduced blood flow to the placenta and increase the risk of abruption. However, while cocaine use is a serious concern, it is not the most common risk factor for placental abruption.
Choice B reason:
Blunt force trauma, such as from a car accident or a fall, can cause placental abruption by physically separating the placenta from the uterine wall. This type of trauma is a recognized risk factor but is less common compared to other factors like hypertension.
Choice C reason:
Hypertension, whether chronic or pregnancy-induced (such as preeclampsia), is the most common risk factor for placental abruption. High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the placenta, leading to separation from the uterine wall. This condition is particularly concerning because it can lead to severe complications for both the mother and the fetus, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth.
Choice D reason:
Cigarette smoking is another risk factor for placental abruption. Smoking during pregnancy can lead to reduced oxygen supply to the fetus and damage to the placental blood vessels. While it is a significant risk factor, it is not as common as hypertension.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Placing a finger at the base of the newborn’s toes is used to elicit the Babinski reflex, not the Moro reflex. The Babinski reflex is observed when the toes fan out and the big toe moves upward in response to stroking the sole of the foot1. This reflex is a normal finding in infants up to 2 years old and indicates normal neurological development.
Choice B reason:
Turning the newborn’s head quickly to one side is used to elicit the tonic neck reflex, also known as the “fencing” reflex. When the head is turned to one side, the arm on that side extends while the opposite arm bends at the elbow, resembling a fencing position2. This reflex is typically present from birth to about 6 months of age.
Choice C reason:
Holding the newborn vertically and allowing one foot to touch the table surface is used to elicit the stepping reflex. When the baby’s foot touches a surface, they will make stepping movements as if trying to walk3. This reflex is usually present from birth until about 2 months of age.
Choice D reason:
Performing a sharp hand clap near the infant is a method to elicit the Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex. The Moro reflex is triggered by a sudden loud noise or a sensation of falling. The infant will respond by extending and abducting the arms, opening the hands, and then bringing the arms back to the body. This reflex is present at birth and typically disappears by 4 to 6 months of age.
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