A nurse is caring for a new mother who is breastfeeding her term newborn. The newborn weighed 3.4 kg (7.5 lb) at birth and weighed 3.3 kg (7.3 lb) on the second day of life. The mother expresses concern about the weight loss and asks the nurse about the amount of her breast milk. Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?
"A healthy newborn can lose 6% of his birth weight before starting to gain weight."
"Why don't you switch to formula to make sure your baby is eating enough?"
"It is common for new mothers to worry that they are not making enough milk for their baby."
"Your newborn will need to remain in the hospital so his weight can be monitored."
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale: Weight loss in the first few days after birth is normal for newborns, and a weight loss of up to 7-10% of the birth weight is considered within the expected range. A 6% weight loss is within normal limits, and it is reassuring to inform the mother that this is typical.
Choice B rationale: Suggesting switching to formula is not necessary based on the weight loss described. Breastfeeding provides adequate nutrition for most newborns, and early weight loss is typical and not a cause for alarm.
Choice C rationale: While it is true that new mothers may worry about breastfeeding and milk supply, this response does not address the specific weight loss concern and might not fully reassure the mother.
Choice D rationale: A 6% weight loss is within the expected range for a newborn and does not warrant hospitalization. It is a normal finding, and most newborns will start to regain their birth weight within a few days of life.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) determination is not used to screen for ABO incompatibility. It is specifically used to screen for certain fetal abnormalities.
Choice B rationale:
MSAFP determination is not used to screen for gestational diabetes. It is primarily used for detecting certain fetal abnormalities.
Choice C rationale:
The MSAFP test is a prenatal screening test that measures the level of alpha-fetoprotein in the mother's blood. Abnormal levels of alpha-fetoprotein may indicate a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida, or other chromosomal abnormalities.
Choice D rationale:
MSAFP determination is not used to screen for fetal maturity. It is used to assess the risk of certain fetal abnormalities.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Uterine enlargement greater than expected for gestational age is not a typical finding in a possible ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube, and the uterus does not enlarge normally.
Choice B rationale:
Copious vaginal bleeding is not a typical finding in a possible ectopic pregnancy. Vaginal bleeding can occur, but it is not usually copious.
Choice C rationale:
Severe nausea and vomiting are not typically associated with a possible ectopic pregnancy. Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms in early pregnancy, but they are not specific to an ectopic pregnancy.
Choice D rationale:
Pelvic pain is a common finding in a possible ectopic pregnancy. The pain is often sharp, and unilateral, and may be located on one side of the lower abdomen or pelvis.
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