Your patient just had her first baby two days ago. The infant is healthy and breastfeeding well. What are important things to teach her about the safety of her baby: (select all that apply)
Keep the baby on his to back to sleep
Keep the cord as dry as possible until it falls off
Always keep the baby dressed and wrapped in 2 blankets when you go outside
After your milk comes in your baby should have 3-4 wet or dirty diapers a day
Have the bulb syringe near the baby at all times
Correct Answer : A,B,E
A) Keep the baby on his back to sleep:
Placing babies on their back to sleep is the most effective way to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly recommends this practice. Babies should not sleep on their stomach or side because these positions increase the risk of suffocation. This position should be maintained until the baby is at least 1 year old, even though many parents may be encouraged to place babies on their tummies when they start rolling over on their own.
B) Keep the cord as dry as possible until it falls off:
It is important to keep the umbilical cord stump clean and dry until it falls off, which typically happens between 1-3 weeks of life. Moisture can cause infection, so avoiding unnecessary exposure to water and keeping the stump exposed to air is essential for healing. The area should not be submerged in water until the stump falls off, and the diaper should be folded down so it doesn’t rub against it, promoting proper drying and healing.
C) Always keep the baby dressed and wrapped in 2 blankets when you go outside:
This is not an ideal practice. Overheating can be dangerous for newborns, as they have a limited ability to regulate their body temperature. Instead of wrapping the baby in two blankets, the baby should be dressed appropriately for the weather—usually in one extra layer than an adult would wear in the same conditions. This ensures the baby stays warm without the risk of overheating, which is a risk factor for SIDS.
D) After your milk comes in your baby should have 3-4 wet or dirty diapers a day:
This information is inaccurate for a 2-day-old baby. After milk comes in (usually around day 3 or 4 postpartum), the baby should be producing at least 6-8 wet diapers a day and 3-4 dirty diapers by day 4 or 5. Fewer wet diapers or a decrease in bowel movements may indicate that the baby is not feeding effectively, and it is important to monitor this carefully. In the first few days, before the milk comes in, the baby might have fewer wet diapers, but by day 3-4, this is the standard for adequate hydration and nutrition.
E) Have the bulb syringe near the baby at all times:
Having a bulb syringe nearby is a good practice in case of respiratory distress. Newborns often have mucus in their airways, and a bulb syringe can help clear their nasal passages if they are having trouble breathing. While the baby should not be suctioned too frequently or aggressively, keeping a bulb syringe available can help manage mild congestion. Additionally, in the case of sudden breathing difficulties or choking, it’s important to be prepared.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Skin to Skin contact:
Skin-to-skin contact, also known as "kangaroo care," is a highly beneficial practice for both the mother and the infant in the immediate postpartum period. It promotes bonding by enhancing emotional connections, helps the infant maintain their body temperature through the transfer of warmth from the mother’s chest, and supports the initiation of breastfeeding, which is essential for the infant's nourishment. Additionally, skin-to-skin contact stimulates the release of oxytocin, which can aid in uterine contractions and promote involution of the uterus.
B) Swaddling the infant:
While swaddling the infant can provide comfort and a sense of security, it does not directly promote bonding or help with temperature regulation as effectively as skin-to-skin contact does. Swaddling can help the infant feel secure and prevent the startle reflex but does not have the same physiological benefits in terms of promoting involution or maintaining body temperature.
C) Allowing family members to hold the infant:
While allowing family members to hold the infant can help with bonding, it does not offer the same immediate physical benefits as skin-to-skin contact between the mother and infant. Skin-to-skin contact is particularly beneficial in terms of temperature regulation and promoting the early stages of breastfeeding, which can help with the involution of the uterus.
D) None of the above:
This option is incorrect because skin-to-skin contact has been shown to promote bonding, help regulate the infant's temperature, and support postpartum recovery processes, including uterine involution.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) "Keep umbilical cord dry and above the level of the diaper."
The umbilical cord stump should be kept clean, dry, and exposed to air as much as possible to prevent infection. The diaper should be folded below the stump to ensure that it remains dry and doesn’t rub against it, which can lead to irritation or infection.
B) "Baby will need to breastfeed every hour."
Newborns typically breastfeed every 2 to 3 hours, not necessarily every hour. The exact frequency may vary based on the baby's hunger cues. Overstating the frequency of feedings may cause undue anxiety for parents, as newborns may not feed this frequently.
C) "Be sure to always wrap baby in 2 blankets when going outside."
Overbundling can lead to overheating. Newborns should be dressed in appropriate layers for the weather, with one layer more than an adult would wear. The use of two blankets may not be necessary unless it is extremely cold. The key is ensuring the baby is comfortably warm, not overheated.
D) "Limit the amount of time baby is skin to skin with parents."
Skin-to-skin contact is beneficial for newborns, especially in the early days after birth. It promotes bonding, stabilizes the baby’s body temperature, supports breastfeeding, and helps with the baby’s physiological stability. There is no need to limit skin-to-skin contact unless medically contraindicated.
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