A nurse is reinforcing teaching about colostrum with a new mother who is breastfeeding.
The mother asks, "Why is colostrum so important for my baby?" Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
"Colostrum provides many important antibodies that the newborn lacks.”
"Colostrum provides vitamin K, which is an essential nutrient for newborns.”
"Colostrum contains iron, which is important for a newborn's brain development.”
"Colostrum contains a natural diuretic that stimulates the newborn to void.”
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Colostrum, the initial breast milk produced after childbirth, is crucial for a newborn's health because it contains a high concentration of antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins (IgA), which provide passive immunity to the baby. These antibodies are essential because a newborn's immune system is immature and not yet capable of producing its antibodies. IgA antibodies in colostrum help protect the baby against various infections, including respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer as it accurately reflects the importance of colostrum in providing immune protection for the newborn.
Choice B rationale:
Colostrum does not primarily provide vitamin K. While vitamin K is essential for newborns to prevent bleeding disorders, it is not the primary function of colostrum. Colostrum's primary role is to provide immune protection.
Choice C rationale:
Colostrum does contain trace amounts of iron, but its iron content is not the primary reason for its importance. Iron stores in a newborn's body are typically established during the third trimester of pregnancy, and colostrum is not a significant source of iron for the baby. The primary role of colostrum is to provide antibodies, not iron.
Choice D rationale:
Colostrum does not contain a natural diuretic. Its purpose is not to stimulate the newborn to void. Instead, it focuses on providing immune protection and essential nutrients for the baby's initial growth and development.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Stimulate the infant to cry. Stimulating the infant to cry is an important step in newborn care, as crying helps to clear the respiratory passages and establish effective breathing. However, it should not be the first action taken, as there are more immediate priorities in newborn care.
Choice B rationale:
Clear the respiratory tract. Clearing the respiratory tract should be the first action taken when caring for a newborn following a vaginal delivery. The newborn may have mucus or amniotic fluid in the airway, which can obstruct breathing. Clearing the airway ensures that the infant can breathe effectively. This action takes precedence over other tasks.
Choice C rationale:
Dry the infant off and cover the head. Drying the infant off and covering the head is important for maintaining the infant's temperature and preventing heat loss. However, it is not the first priority when compared to clearing the respiratory tract. Establishing effective breathing is of utmost importance.
Choice D rationale:
Clamp the umbilical cord. Clamping the umbilical cord is typically done after the baby is breathing and stable. It is an important step in the immediate post-delivery care, but it should not be the first action taken. Clearing the respiratory tract and ensuring the infant can breathe take precedence.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Enabling the airbag when the baby is in the front seat of the car is incorrect. Airbags can be dangerous for infants and young children, and it is recommended to keep them in the rear seat, preferably in a rear-facing car seat.
Choice B rationale:
Positioning the car seat's retainer clip at the level of the baby's belly button is incorrect. The retainer clip should be at armpit level to ensure proper positioning and safety.
Choice C rationale:
Keeping the baby rear-facing in the car seat until she is 2 years old is the correct understanding of car seat safety. This statement aligns with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations, which suggest keeping infants rear-facing as long as possible, ideally until they reach the maximum height and weight limits of their car seat.
Choice D rationale:
Placing the baby in the car seat at a 90-degree angle is incorrect. The correct angle for a rear-facing car seat depends on the manufacturer's guidelines but typically ranges from 30 to 45 degrees. The 90-degree angle is not safe and can compromise the baby's airway.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.