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 ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale: The Scarf sign assesses the range of motion of the newborn's shoulder and elbow joint. It measures the ability of the newborn's arm to be brought across the chest.
Choice B rationale: Arm recoil measures the degree of resistance and recoil of the newborn's arm when it is extended and then flexed against the chest. This reflex provides information about the newborn's muscle tone and neuromuscular maturity.
Choice C rationale: The Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, is elicited by a sudden change in the newborn's position or by a loud noise. It involves an initial extension and abduction of the arms, followed by a flexion and adduction. This reflex helps assess the newborn's neurologic and neuromuscular maturity.
Choice D rationale: "Heel to ear" is not a standard neuromuscular assessment used in the gestational age assessment. It may be an incorrect or unclear term.
Choice E rationale: The popliteal angle is not a neuromuscular assessment used in the gestational age assessment. It measures the angle of flexion in the knee joint and is not directly related to neuromuscular maturity
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Around 10 to 12 months of age, babies develop more advanced oral motor skills and can start to use their tongue to push solid objects out of their mouth. This is a natural reflex that helps prevent choking as they continue to learn how to eat solid foods.
Choice B rationale: Between 8 to 10 months of age, babies start to develop the ability to chew and swallow soft, cooked food. At this stage, they are typically introduced to mashed or finely chopped solid foods to complement their breast milk or formula diet.
Choice C rationale: Newborns typically start with bottle-feeding or breastfeeding. As they grow and develop, they eventually transition to drinking from a cup, which is usually introduced around 6 to 9 months of age. At this stage, the baby is held by another person while they drink from a cup with assistance.
Choice D rationale: Around 6 to 8 months of age, infants start showing an interest in self-feeding and may begin experimenting with a spoon. They may try to scoop food with a spoon but often need assistance and are still primarily dependent on being fed by a caregiver.
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