An nurse is counseling a new mother about the immunologic properties of breast milk. The nurse emphasizes that breast milk is the main source of which specific immunoglobulin?
Select one:
IgG.
IgE.
IgA.
IgM.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason: IgG. This is an incorrect answer that refers to a different type of antibody that is not abundant in breast milk. IgG is a type of antibody that provides systemic immunity against various antigens. IgG is found in low concentrations in breast milk, as it does not cross the mammary epithelium easily. IgG can protect the infant from some infections, but it is mainly transferred from the mother to the fetus through the placenta during pregnancy.
Choice B Reason: IgE. This is an incorrect answer that refers to a different type of antibody that is not relevant to breast milk. IgE is a type of antibody that mediates allergic reactions and parasitic infections. IgE is found in very low concentrations in breast milk, as it does not have a significant role in mucosal immunity. IgE can trigger mast cells and basophils to release histamine and other inflammatory mediators, which can cause symptoms such as itching, swelling, or bronchoconstriction.
Choice C Reason: IgA. This is because IgA is a type of antibody that protects mucosal surfaces from pathogens and toxins. IgA is found in high concentrations in breast milk, especially in colostrum (the first milk produced after delivery). IgA can bind to bacteria and viruses in the infant's gastrointestinal tract and prevent them from ataching to the intestinal wall or crossing into the bloodstream. IgA can also enhance the infant's immune system by stimulating lymphoid tissue development and modulating inflammatory responses.
Choice D Reason: IgM. This is an incorrect answer that refers to a different type of antibody that is not abundant in breast milk. IgM is a type of antibody that activates complement system and agglutinates antigens. IgM is found in low concentrations in breast milk, as it does not cross the mammary epithelium easily due to its large size. IgM can protect the infant from some infections, but it is mainly produced by the infant's own immune system in response to exposure to antigens.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Place the infant skin to skin with the mother and re-check temperature in 30 minutes. This is because skin-to-skin contact is an effective and safe method of increasing the infant's temperature and promoting thermoregulation. Skin-to-skin contact also has other benefits such as enhancing bonding, breastfeeding, and maternal-infant attachment.
Choice B Reason: Check the infant's CBC and blood cultures, as this is a sign of probable sepsis. This is an unnecessary action that may cause undue stress and discomfort to the infant and the mother. A slightly decreased temperature in a full-term infant is not a sign of probable sepsis, but rather a common finding that may be due to environmental factors, such as exposure to cold air or wet linens.
Choice C Reason: Return the infant to the nursery for close observation under warming lights. This is an undesirable action that may interfere with the early initiation of breastfeeding and bonding between the mother and the infant. Warming lights are not recommended for routine use in healthy newborns, as they may cause dehydration, hyperthermia, or eye damage.
Choice D Reason: Notify the physician immediately and suggest orders for placement in an incubator. This is an excessive action that may indicate a lack of knowledge or confidence on the part of the nurse. An incubator is not indicated for a stable, full term infant with a slightly decreased temperature, as it may expose the infant to unnecessary interventions, infections, or separation from the mother.

Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: "You would have seen more symptoms if you had been looking more closely at your baby." This is an inappropriate response that blames the parents for missing the signs of sepsis and does not explain the Reason for the subtle symptoms.
Choice B Reason: "A newborn's immune system isn't mature, so symptoms are subtle and can be hard to recognize." This is an appropriate response that educates the parents about the immunological basis of sepsis in newborns and reassures them that they are not at fault for not noticing the symptoms.
Choice C Reason: "A high fever will always be present in sick newborns, including your baby." This is an incorrect response that contradicts the fact that newborns may not develop fever in response to infection due to their immature immune systems.
Choice D Reason: "A mother's immunity usually protects the infant from illness, but not in this case." This is an inaccurate response that implies that the mother failed to provide adequate immunity to her baby and does not address the question of why the baby did not seem very ill.
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