A student explains to an instructor that the infant period is categorized as the “oral phase” according to Freud’s theory. Which statements by the student suggest an understanding of this phase? Select all that apply

Weight gainis a key indicator of adequate nutrition in infants. Deviations from expected weight milestones may suggest under- or overnutrition, feeding difficulties, or underlying medical conditions. Regular monitoring helps identify potential nutrient deficiencies or growth delaysearly.

Rationale for correct answer:

C.This reflects normal infant growth patterns. By 5–6 months, an infant's birth weight typically doubles. By 12 months, the weight typically triples. This pattern is a clinical benchmark for assessing healthy growth and nutritional adequacy in infancy.

Rationale for incorrect answers:

A.Tripling weight in only 6 monthssuggests excessive weight gain, which may signal overnutrition or fluid retention, especially if not accompanied by proportional height/length growth.

B.Doubling by 12 monthsis below expected growth. This may indicate inadequate nutrition, feeding difficulties, or a medical concern such as malabsorption or chronic illness.

D.The baby’s weight doubling in the first 6 months and doubling again in the next 6 months implies the weight is four times the birth weight by 12 months, which is excessive and could suggest overnutrition or metabolic issuesif unaccompanied by proportionate linear growth.

Take home points

• Expected weight gain: Double by 6 months, triple by 12 months.
• Significant deviations may indicate nutrition-related or health concerns.
• Nurses should use growth charts to track weight percentiles and educate caregivers on feeding, portioning, and appropriate milestones.
• Regular well-child checks are vital for monitoring growth and development and detecting early signs of nutrient deficiency or excess.

Freud’spsychosexual theory of developmentis a foundational framework in psychology that suggests personality develops through a series of childhood stages, each focused on a different erogenous zone. According to Freud, how a child navigates these stages determines aspects of their adult personality.

Rationale for correct answers:

A.Freud’s oral stage(birth to ~18 months) is centered around the mouth as the primary source of pleasure and interaction. Infants suck not only for nourishmentbut also for comfort and gratification. This is why they seek pacifiers, thumb-sucking, and frequent feeding, even when not hungry.

E.Mouthingis a major way infants explore their environment, helping them learn about texture, shape, and taste. This aligns with Freud’s belief that the mouth is the center of pleasurein this stage.

Rationale for incorrect answers:

B.This contradicts Freud’s theory. Suckingis pleasurableeven outside feeding, which is why pacifiers or thumb-sucking soothe infants.

C.While breastfeeding may foster bonding and skin-to-skin contact, Freud’s theory is not about energy expenditure. The source of pleasure is oral stimulation, not how much effort it takes.

D.According to Freud, pacifiersare a classic example of how infants seek oral gratification for pleasure beyond nutrition.

F.An infant beginning to explore the genital area to learn sexual identity is part of Freud’s phallic stage, which occurs around ages 3–6 years, not in infancy.

Take home points

• Freud’s oral stage emphasizes that infants derive pleasure and comfort through sucking and mouthing.
• Oral gratification is crucial for both emotional development and ensuring consistent nutrient intake through feeding.
• Nurses should support appropriate oral behaviors and reassure caregivers that habits like thumb-sucking or mouthing are developmentally normal in infancy.