A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a new mother.
Which statement by the nurse regarding "baby blues" and postpartum depression is most appropriate?
"Stay home and avoid outside activities to ensure adequate rest.”.
"Be certain that you are the only caregiver for your baby to facilitate infant attachment.”.
"Keep feelings of sadness and adjustment to your new role to yourself.”.
"Talk about your feelings and seek help if needed.”. . . .
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Advising a new mother to stay home and avoid outside activities is counterproductive and can worsen symptoms of depression. Isolation is a significant risk factor for mental health decline. Encouraging moderate activity and social interaction helps improve mood and provides a sense of normalcy. While rest is important, complete social withdrawal prevents the mother from receiving the environmental stimulation and community support necessary for psychological well-being during the challenging transition to parenthood.
Choice B rationale
Suggesting that the mother should be the only caregiver is incorrect and potentially harmful. Relying on a single caregiver increases the risk of exhaustion and burnout, which are major triggers for postpartum mood disorders. Encouraging the involvement of partners and family members facilitates a shared caregiving model that allows the mother time for self-care and sleep. Infant attachment is not hindered by others helping; rather, a well-rested and supported mother is better able to bond.
Choice C rationale
Telling a mother to keep feelings of sadness to herself is dangerous and reinforces the stigma surrounding mental health. Open communication is essential for the early detection and treatment of postpartum depression. Bottling up emotions can lead to a worsening of symptoms and may prevent the mother from seeking life-saving professional help. Education should emphasize that these feelings are common and that there is no shame in requiring clinical support or therapy during this time.
Choice D rationale
The most appropriate statement is to encourage the mother to talk about her feelings and seek help if needed. This promotes open communication and early intervention. "Baby blues" are common and usually resolve within 10 to 14 days, but persistent sadness, hopelessness, or inability to care for the infant are signs of postpartum depression. Normalizing the discussion of mental health allows the mother to recognize when her experience has transitioned from normal adjustment to a clinical condition. .
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The axillary route is the preferred non-invasive method for infants aged 3 months because it is safe and easily accessible without causing significant distress or risk of injury. In infants, the normal axillary temperature range is typically 36.5 to 37.5 degrees Celsius. This method avoids the risks associated with rectal thermometers, such as mucosal perforation, and provides a reliable assessment of thermal stability in young infants who cannot cooperate with oral or tympanic measurements.
Choice B rationale
The oral route is appropriate for a 10-year-old child because they have developed the cognitive and physical maturity required to hold the probe under the tongue and keep their mouth closed. School-aged children can follow instructions effectively, ensuring the sensor remains in contact with the sublingual artery for an accurate reading. The normal oral temperature range for this age group is 36.4 to 37.0 degrees Celsius, representing a standard and reliable measurement for older pediatric patients.
Choice C rationale
The tympanic route is suitable for a 4-year-old child because it provides a quick and accurate reflection of core body temperature by measuring infrared heat from the eardrum. By age 4, the ear canal is sufficiently developed to allow proper positioning of the probe. This method is often preferred in toddlers and preschoolers as it is less intrusive than other methods. A normal tympanic temperature typically mirrors the core temperature, ranging from 36.4 to 37.5 degrees Celsius.
Choice D rationale
This choice is correct because it encompasses all the developmentally appropriate methods for the respective age groups listed. Selecting the correct thermometry route requires a thorough understanding of pediatric anatomy and behavioral development. Each specified route aligns with clinical standards that prioritize patient safety and diagnostic accuracy. Using age-appropriate methods ensures that the nurse obtains a precise measurement while minimizing physical discomfort and psychological stress for the child, which is essential for effective clinical assessment.
Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Pain associated with an appendectomy is classified as acute pain because it has a sudden onset and is directly related to a specific inflammatory process or surgical intervention. Acute pain typically resolves once the underlying cause is treated and the tissue heals. It is characterized by sympathetic nervous system activation, leading to tachycardia and hypertension. Because this pain is short-term and linked to a reversible surgical condition, it does not meet the criteria for chronic pain.
Choice B rationale
Pain resulting from second-degree burns is categorized as acute because it is the result of immediate tissue damage and nerve fiber stimulation. While burn recovery can be lengthy, the pain experienced during the initial healing phases is physiological and serves as a protective mechanism. Chronic pain is generally defined as pain lasting longer than three to six months or beyond the expected healing time. Since these burns represent a recent injury, the pain is treated as an acute clinical priority.
Choice C rationale
A diagnosis of neuroblastoma seven months ago indicates that the child is dealing with chronic malignant pain. Chronic pain is defined by its duration exceeding the normal healing period, typically beyond three to six months. In oncology patients, persistent pain results from tumor growth, nerve compression, or the side effects of prolonged chemotherapy. This long-term discomfort requires a multidisciplinary management approach, as the nervous system may undergo sensitization, leading to a persistent pain state that affects the child's daily functioning.
Choice D rationale
Neck pain persisting ten months after an accident is a clear indicator of chronic non-malignant pain. The timeframe of ten months significantly exceeds the standard three-month threshold used to define chronic conditions. This type of pain often involves complex changes in the peripheral and central nervous systems, leading to persistent discomfort even after the initial physical injury has ostensibly healed. In teenagers, such chronic pain can interfere with school attendance, social interactions, and overall psychological well-being, necessitating long-term therapeutic interventions.
Choice E rationale
Recurring headaches and migraines are classified as chronic pain because they represent a persistent or episodic painful condition that occurs over a long duration. Migraines involve neurovascular changes and central sensitization that lead to repeated debilitating events. Even though the pain may not be continuous, the recurring nature of the episodes over months or years fits the clinical definition of a chronic pain syndrome. Management focuses on prophylaxis and identifying triggers to reduce the frequency and intensity of these neurological events.
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