The mother visits her infant in the nursery.
The nurse shows the mother how to place her finger in the palm of the baby’s hand so that the baby will squeeze her finger.This behavior on the nurse’s part reflects an understanding of which principle?

The correct answer is choice A. Maintaining the infants’ airways is the nurse’s priority when caring for a set of twins delivered by cesarean delivery.This is because twins are more likely to be born early and need special care after birth than single babies.They may have breathing difficulties or low oxygen levels and require oxygen therapy or ventilation.

The nurse should assess the infants’ respiratory status and intervene as needed.

Choice B is wrong because keeping the infants in a warm, draft-free environment is important but not as urgent as ensuring their airways are clear and they are breathing well.Premature twins may have trouble regulating their body temperature and need to be kept warm, but this can be done after their airways are secured.

Choice C is wrong because placing identification bands on the infants is a standard procedure but not a priority.

The nurse should make sure the infants are correctly identified and matched with their mother, but this can be done after their vital signs are stable.

Choice D is wrong because monitoring the infants’ vital signs is also important but not as urgent as maintaining their airways.

The nurse should check the infants’ heart rate, blood pressure, temperature and blood sugar levels regularly, but this can be done after their respiratory status is assessed and managed.

Normal ranges for vital signs in newborns are:

• Heart rate: 100 to 160 beats per minute

• Blood pressure: 50 to 75 mm Hg systolic and 30 to 45 mm Hg diastolic

• Temperature: 36.5 to 37.5°C (97.7 to 99.5°F)

• Blood sugar: 40 to 80 mg/dL

The correct answer is choice C. “What drugs have you used during your pregnancy?”.

This question is open-ended and nonjudgmental, which encourages the patient to disclose more information about her drug use.

The nurse can then assess the type, frequency, and amount of drugs used and plan appropriate interventions.

Choice A is wrong because it is a closed-ended question that can be answered with a yes or no, and it implies criticism of the patient’s behavior, which may make her defensive and less willing to cooperate.

Choice B is wrong because it is also a closed-ended question that can be answered with a yes or no, and it may frighten or anger the patient, who may not be aware of the legal implications of her drug use.

Choice D is wrong because it is too vague and may not cover all the possible drugs that the patient may have used, such as prescription medications, alcohol, or tobacco.

It also labels the patient as a drug user, which may offend her or make her feel ashamed.