A nurse is completing a home visit to a mother who is 3 days postpartum and breastfeeding her newborn. The mother expresses concern about the amount of weight the newborn has lost since birth. Which of the following is a response the nurse should make?
“The cause might be too short or infrequent feedings.”
“It is due to the newborn’s loss of the influence of the maternal hormones.”
“This might be related to your baby having 3 stools a day.”
“You might want to offer water supplements between feedings.”
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
“The cause might be too short or infrequent feedings.”: Newborns typically lose weight in the first few days after birth, which is normal. However, if the weight loss is significant, it could be due to inadequate feeding. Breastfed newborns should be fed 8-12 times in 24 hours to ensure they are getting enough milk. Short or infrequent feedings can lead to insufficient intake, resulting in weight loss2. Ensuring proper latch and feeding techniques can help address this issue.
Choice B reason:
“It is due to the newborn’s loss of the influence of the maternal hormones.”: While maternal hormones do influence the newborn, their loss is not a primary cause of significant weight loss. The initial weight loss is more related to fluid loss and the transition to breastfeeding.
Choice C reason:
“This might be related to your baby having 3 stools a day.”: Frequent stools are common in newborns, especially those who are breastfed. While it can contribute to weight loss, it is usually not the main cause of significant weight loss. Monitoring the baby’s feeding and ensuring they are getting enough milk is more critical.
Choice D reason:
“You might want to offer water supplements between feedings.”: Offering water supplements to a newborn is not recommended, especially for breastfed babies. Breast milk provides all the necessary hydration and nutrients. Introducing water can interfere with breastfeeding and reduce the baby’s intake of breast milk, potentially leading to further weight loss.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is b) “We do routine hearing screenings on newborns. You’ll know the results before you leave the hospital.”
Choice A reason:
The statement “There is no need to worry about that. Most forms of hearing loss are not inherited” is not entirely accurate. While it is true that not all forms of hearing loss are inherited, genetic factors can play a significant role in hearing loss. Approximately 50-60% of hearing loss in infants is due to genetic causes. Therefore, dismissing the concern without proper screening is not advisable.
Choice B reason:
Routine hearing screenings are conducted on newborns to detect any hearing issues early. These screenings are typically performed before the baby leaves the hospital. The two main types of newborn hearing screenings are Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs) and Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR). These tests are safe, painless, and can identify hearing loss early, allowing for timely intervention. Early detection is crucial for the development of speech, language, and social skills.
Choice C reason:
Clapping hands loudly to see if the baby startles is not a reliable method to determine hearing ability. While a startle response might indicate that the baby can hear, it does not provide comprehensive information about the baby’s hearing capabilities. Newborn hearing screenings are more accurate and can detect even mild hearing loss.
Choice D reason:
Observing how the baby looks at you when you speak is also not a reliable method to assess hearing. Babies can respond to visual cues and vibrations, which might give the impression that they can hear. However, this method does not provide a definitive assessment of the baby’s hearing ability. Professional hearing screenings are necessary to accurately determine hearing status.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Monitoring blood glucose levels is the priority intervention for a newborn who is small for gestational age (SGA). SGA infants are at a higher risk for hypoglycemia due to their limited glycogen stores and increased metabolic needs. Hypoglycemia can lead to serious complications such as seizures, brain damage, and even death if not promptly addressed. Therefore, frequent monitoring of blood glucose levels is crucial to ensure early detection and treatment of hypoglycemia, thereby preventing these adverse outcomes.
Choice B reason:
Monitoring intake and output is important for assessing the hydration status and renal function of the newborn. While this is a necessary aspect of care, it is not the priority intervention for an SGA infant. Ensuring adequate fluid intake and monitoring urine output helps in maintaining electrolyte balance and preventing dehydration, but it does not directly address the immediate risk of hypoglycemia, which is more critical in the initial care of an SGA newborn.
Choice C reason:
Monitoring weight is essential for tracking the growth and development of the newborn. Regular weight checks help in assessing the effectiveness of nutritional interventions and identifying any growth delays. However, this intervention is more relevant for long-term management rather than immediate care. The priority in the immediate postnatal period is to stabilize the infant’s condition, particularly by preventing hypoglycemia.
Choice D reason:
Monitoring axillary temperature is important to prevent hypothermia, which SGA infants are also at risk for due to their low body fat and poor thermoregulation. While maintaining a stable body temperature is crucial, it is not the most immediate concern compared to hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia poses a more immediate threat to the infant’s
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