The mother of a one-month-old infant calls the clinic to report that the back of her infant's head is flat. How should the nurse respond?
Position the infant on the stomach occasionally when awake and active.
Turn the infant on the left side braced against the crib when sleeping.
Place a small pillow under the infant's head while lying on the back.
Prop the infant in a sitting position with a cushion when not sleeping.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Positioning the infant on the stomach occasionally when awake and active is the best response that the nurse can give to the mother. This is because it can help prevent and correct the flat head syndrome, also known as plagiocephaly, by taking pressure off the back of the head and allowing the skull to reshape naturally. It can also promote the infant's motor development and strengthen the neck and shoulder muscles. However, the nurse should also remind the mother to always place the infant on the back when sleeping, as this is the safest position to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) .
Choice B reason: Turning the infant on the left side braced against the crib when sleeping is not a good response that the nurse can give to the mother. This is because it can increase the risk of SIDS, as the infant may roll over to the stomach or suffocate from the bedding or the crib. It can also worsen the flat head syndrome by creating another flat spot on the left side of the head.
Choice C reason: Placing a small pillow under the infant's head while lying on the back is not a good response that the nurse can give to the mother. This is because it can increase the risk of SIDS, as the pillow may cover the infant's face or cause the infant to overheat. It can also interfere with the natural reshaping of the skull and cause neck strain.
Choice D reason: Propping the infant in a sitting position with a cushion when not sleeping is not a good response that the nurse can give to the mother. This is because it can put too much pressure on the spine and the pelvis, which are still developing in the infant. It can also limit the infant's movement and exploration, which are important for learning and development.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Having the child blow a cotton ball and have the parent catch it is not a good strategy to ensure the child's cooperation. This activity might distract the child from the assessment and make it difficult for the nurse to listen to the lung sounds.
Choice B reason: Allowing the child to use a stethoscope on a stuffed animal is a good strategy to ensure the child's cooperation. This activity helps the child to understand the purpose of the stethoscope and reduces the fear of the unfamiliar device. It also allows the nurse to observe the child's breathing pattern and chest movement.
Choice C reason: Offering the child bubbles before the stethoscope is placed is not a good strategy to ensure the child's cooperation. This activity might alter the child's breathing pattern and interfere with the accuracy of the assessment.
Choice D reason: Placing a toy in the child's hands while listening to the breath sounds is not a good strategy to ensure the child's cooperation. This activity might distract the child from the assessment and make it difficult for the nurse to listen to the lung sounds.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Playing "peek-a-boo" is a normal behavior for a 6-month-old infant. It shows that the infant has developed object permanence, which is the understanding that objects and people still exist even when they are out of sight. This is a sign of cognitive development and social interaction.
Choice B reason: Turning head to locate sound is a normal behavior for a 6-month-old infant. It shows that the infant has developed auditory localization, which is the ability to identify the direction and distance of a sound source. This is a sign of sensory development and curiosity.
Choice C reason: Having doubled birth weight is a normal milestone for a 6-month-old infant. It shows that the infant has adequate growth and nutrition. The average birth weight for a full-term infant is about 3.4 kg (7.5 lb), and the average weight for a 6-month-old infant is about 6.8 kg (15 lb).
Choice D reason: Demonstrating startle reflex is an abnormal behavior for a 6-month-old infant. The startle reflex, also known as the Moro reflex, is an involuntary response to a sudden loud noise or movement. The infant will extend the arms and legs, arch the back, and then curl the arms and legs inward. This reflex is present at birth and usually disappears by 4 months of age. If the reflex persists beyond 6 months of age, it may indicate a neurological problem or developmental delay. The nurse should request further evaluation by the health care provider.
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