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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale: While calcium is essential for bone health and other functions, the increased need for calcium during pregnancy is not as significant as the need for iron.
Choice B rationale: Vitamin E is important for overall health, including immune function and cell protection, but it is not specifically increased during pregnancy compared to other nutrients.
Choice C rationale: Vitamin D is important for bone health and immune function, but its increased need during pregnancy is not as significant as the need for iron.
Choice D rationale: During pregnancy, the body's need for iron increases to support the increased blood volume and provide for the developing fetus. Adequate iron intake helps prevent iron deficiency anemia in the pregnant woman and supports the baby's iron stores.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Increasing the intake of iron is important during pregnancy to prevent anemia, but it is not specifically related to reducing the risk of neural tube defects.
Choice B rationale: Avoiding the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy is essential to prevent fetal alcohol syndrome, but it is not directly related to reducing the risk of neural tube defects.
Choice C rationale: Avoiding the use of aspirin during pregnancy is recommended to reduce the risk of certain complications, but it is not specifically related to reducing the risk of neural tube defects.
Choice D rationale: Eating foods fortified with folic acid is a crucial preventive measure to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Adequate folic acid intake before and during early pregnancy significantly lowers the risk of these birth defects.
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