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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Maternal gestational diabetes can lead to the newborn being larger than average (macrosomia) due to the impact of high blood sugar levels in the mother affecting fetal growth.
Choice B rationale:
Newborn hypoglycemia isa common complication of maternal gestational diabetes due to the elevated insulin levels in the newborn at birth
Choice C rationale:
Oligohydramnios refers to decreased amniotic fluid, which can be a complication of various factors, but it is not directly related to maternal gestational diabetes.
Choice D rationale:
Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, which is unrelated to maternal gestational diabetes.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Craniofacial abnormalities are not directly associated with maternal smoking during pregnancy. However, smoking during pregnancy can have other adverse effects on the baby's development.
Choice B rationale:
Maternal smoking during pregnancy is a significant risk factor for delivering a baby with low birth weight. Smoking can lead to restricted blood flow to the placenta, affecting the baby's growth and development.
Choice C rationale:
Hypersensitivity to noise is not a common clinical manifestation associated with maternal smoking during pregnancy.
Choice D rationale:
Hyperactivity is not a common clinical manifestation associated with maternal smoking during pregnancy. However, smoking during pregnancy can have other effects on the child's behavior and development later in life.
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