You are in the postpartum unit where a Day two G1P1 Mother is working hard at breastfeeding her baby. She is concerned that the baby is fussy between feedings. The advice you would give her is:
Put baby to breast for non -nutritive sucking to calm baby
Give the baby pacifier
Put the baby in the nursery so mom can get some rest
Supplement with formula
The Correct Answer is A
A) Put baby to breast for non-nutritive sucking to calm baby:
Non-nutritive sucking (sucking without feeding) is a natural way for babies to self-soothe. It can help calm a fussy infant and also promote bonding between mother and baby. This action also stimulates milk production in the mother. It's a safe and effective way to comfort the baby without introducing unnecessary interventions. Non-nutritive sucking can help regulate the baby's sucking reflexes and provide comfort until the next feeding.
B) Give the baby pacifier:
While pacifiers can help some babies self-soothe, they can interfere with breastfeeding, especially in the early days. Introducing a pacifier too soon may confuse the baby’s natural sucking pattern and affect the latch, which can impact breastfeeding success. It’s typically recommended to wait until breastfeeding is well-established, around 3-4 weeks, before introducing a pacifier.
C) Put the baby in the nursery so mom can get some rest:
While maternal rest is important, removing the baby from the mother's care in the early postpartum period may interfere with the breastfeeding process. Breastfeeding on demand is crucial for establishing a good milk supply, and keeping the baby close for frequent feedings (and comfort) will help with this. Encouraging rest is important, but it shouldn't come at the expense of bonding and feeding.
D) Supplement with formula:
There is no indication that the baby is not getting enough nutrition at this point. Fussy behavior between feedings is common in newborns and can be due to various factors such as the baby's need for comfort, a growth spurt, or a short interval between feedings. Supplementing with formula is not necessary unless there is a clear indication of inadequate milk supply or other medical concerns, which isn’t evident in this situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) It could make respiratory distress syndrome worse:
The most critical reason to protect a preterm infant from cold stress is that hypothermia can exacerbate respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Cold stress leads to an increased oxygen demand, which can worsen the infant’s already compromised respiratory function. In preterm infants, the immature lungs and underdeveloped surfactant production contribute to RDS, and hypothermia worsens the situation by increasing metabolic demands and impairing pulmonary function. Maintaining a stable body temperature is crucial for minimizing respiratory complications.
B) Shivering to produce heat may use up too many calories:
While it is true that preterm infants may not have the metabolic reserves to generate heat via shivering (as they lack significant brown fat), the primary concern is not shivering. Preterm infants generally do not shiver, and cold stress does not trigger this response. Instead, their body tries to conserve heat through vasoconstriction and increased metabolism, which can lead to hypoxia and worsening respiratory distress.
C) A low temperature may make the infant less able to digest nutrients:
Cold stress can affect a preterm infant’s gastrointestinal function by reducing blood flow to the digestive organs, which can impair nutrient absorption and digestion. However, the most immediate and serious consequence of cold stress is the increased metabolic demand and worsening of respiratory distress, rather than a direct impact on digestion. Protecting the infant from hypothermia helps prevent these secondary complications.
D) Cold decreases circulation to the extremities:
While cold stress can indeed lead to vasoconstriction and decreased circulation to the extremities, this is not the most significant concern. The primary issue with cold stress in preterm infants is the overall increase in metabolic demands, oxygen consumption, and exacerbation of respiratory problems, which can lead to more severe respiratory distress syndrome. The loss of peripheral circulation is a secondary concern.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Fundus below the symphysis and not palpable:
The process of involution refers to the shrinking and returning of the uterus to its normal size and position after delivery. By postpartum day 14, the uterus should be largely involuted, with the fundus no longer palpable above the pubic symphysis. This is a normal finding, as the uterus typically shrinks to its pre-pregnancy size over this period. The fundus should be at or below the symphysis pubis and should not be palpable after about two weeks postpartum, indicating that the involution process is proceeding as expected.
B) Moderate, bright red lochia:
While bright red lochia (also known as lochia rubra) is common during the first few days postpartum, by postpartum day 14, lochia should have transitioned to a serosa (pinkish or brownish) or alba (white or yellowish) appearance. Bright red lochia on day 14 would suggest a possible issue, such as retained placental fragments or uterine atony, and would require further evaluation.
C) Breasts warm, firm and tender:
Breast tenderness and firmness can be normal in the early postpartum period, especially as milk comes in. However, by postpartum day 14, if the breasts remain tender and warm, this could indicate mastitis or engorgement that hasn't been resolved. While some tenderness may still occur, it should have decreased by this point. If tenderness persists, further assessment would be needed.
D) Laceration slightly red and puffy:
Postpartum lacerations or episiotomy sites should begin to heal within the first few days, but slight redness and swelling might still be present at two weeks. However, puffiness or continued redness after 14 days may indicate poor healing, infection, or other complications, which requires further evaluation and intervention. Normal healing should show a decrease in redness and swelling by this time.
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.