A nurse is reinforcing discharging teaching with a client who is 2 days postpartum. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A reason:

Attachment phase is not one of Rubin's phases of role attachment. Rubin's theory of maternal role adaptation describes three stages that the mother goes through during the postpartum period: taking in, taking hold and letting go.

Choice B reason:

Letting go phase is the last stage of Rubin's theory of role attachment. It occurs when the mother accepts her new role and gives up her old roles. She also comes to terms with the reality of the birthing experience and the characteristics of her baby.

Choice C reason:

Taking hold phase is the second stage of Rubin's theory of role attachment. It occurs when the mother becomes interested in caring for the infant and learning about her baby and herself. She may be critical about her care-giving abilities and need positive reinforcement.

Choice D reason:

Taking in phase is the first stage of Rubin's theory of role attachment. It occurs right after the birth of the child, when the mother is passive and focused on her own needs, especially sleeping and eating. She may have limited interactions with her infant and prefer to talk about her experiences during labor, birth, and pregnancy. This matches the description of the new mother in the question, so this is the correct answer.

Choice A reason:

Drying the newborn's skin thoroughly is the nurse's priority after assuring a patent airway because it reduces evaporative heat loss by the newborn and prevents cold stress. Cold stress can lead to hypoxia, hypoglycemia, acidosis, and increased bilirubin levels. Drying the newborn also stimulates breathing and crying, which are signs of a healthy newborn.

Choice B reason:

Administering phytonadione IM is not the nurse's priority because it is not an immediate life-saving intervention. Phytonadione is given to prevent hemorrhagic disease of the newborn, which is caused by vitamin K deficiency. However, this condition usually occurs after the first day of life, so administering phytonadione can be delayed until after the initial assessment and stabilization of the newborn.

Choice C reason:

Documenting the Apgar score is not the nurse's priority because it is not an action that directly affects the newborn's well-being. The Apgar score is a tool to assess the newborn's condition at 1 and 5 minutes after birth based on five criteria: heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color. The Apgar score can help guide the nurse's interventions, but it is not more important than providing care to the newborn.

Choice D reason:

Applying identification bands is not the nurse's priority because it is not an urgent or essential action. Identification bands are used to ensure the safety and security of the newborn and prevent errors or mix-ups. However, applying identification bands can be done after the newborn is dried, warmed, and assessed for any problems.