A nurse is caring for a 2-year-old male client. The parent states, "He has started playing with dolls since our baby was born. Does this indicate he will identify as a female as he grows up?" Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A. The nurse handled the sterile gauze with clean gloves on: Handling sterile gauze with clean, non-sterile gloves contaminates the gauze and compromises the sterile field. Sterile gloves or sterile instruments must be used to maintain sterility.

B. The nurse opened the package of gauze toward their body: Opening a sterile package toward the body increases the risk of contaminating the sterile field. The first flap should always be opened away from the body to maintain proper sterile technique.

C. The nurse placed a bottle of saline on the sterile field: Placing a non-sterile item, such as an unsterilized saline bottle, onto a sterile field contaminates the entire field. Only sterile items should touch the sterile field.

D. The nurse kept their hands above the waist during the dressing change: Maintaining hands above the waist is crucial in sterile technique. Anything held below waist level is considered contaminated, so this action shows proper understanding of maintaining sterility.

A. "Your baby needs to suck on a pacifier.": While non-nutritive sucking on a pacifier can sometimes soothe a fussy baby, it is not the first recommendation, especially for a newborn who is establishing breastfeeding. Early introduction of pacifiers can interfere with successful breastfeeding due to nipple confusion.

B. "Breastfed babies are usually fussy from swallowing too much air during feedings.": Although some air swallowing can occur, especially if the latch is poor, this is not typically the primary reason for persistent crying. Addressing crying with soothing techniques like swaddling is a more immediate and supportive intervention for the parent.

C. "Swaddling your baby snugly in a blanket might help soothe her.": Swaddling provides warmth, security, and a sense of being back in the womb, which can calm a newborn effectively. It reduces the startle reflex and helps regulate the baby's nervous system, often resulting in decreased crying and improved comfort.

D. "Breastfed babies often need to be supplemented with formula.": Routine supplementation with formula is not recommended for healthy breastfed newborns unless there are clear medical indications. Promoting exclusive breastfeeding supports optimal nutrition, bonding, and gut health in the early postpartum period.