A nurse is teaching the parents of a newborn how to care for their child's uncircumcised penis. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Choice A rationale:

Pointing out to the father that the newborn turns toward his voice helps him understand that the baby is already responding to him, promoting bonding.

Choice B rationale:

Asking the father why he is concerned about bonding with the newborn allows the nurse to address specific fears or misconceptions and provide appropriate support.

Choice C rationale:

Encouraging the father to touch and stroke the newborn's skin promotes physical contact and enhances the bonding process.

Choice D rationale:

Demonstrating diapering and swaddling techniques for the father helps him feel more confident in caring for his baby and fosters bonding through caregiving activities.

Choice E rationale:

Encouraging the father to lay the newborn beside him while both are sleeping promotes skin- to-skin contact and allows for bonding during restful moments. However, the nurse should ensure that safety measures are followed to prevent accidental suffocation. By following these actions, the nurse can support the father's bonding with his newborn and facilitate a positive and nurturing parent-infant relationship.

Choice A rationale:

Assisting the family in identifying prior coping skills is a valuable nursing intervention, but it is not the priority action in this situation. The client's feelings of sadness and lack of energy raise concerns about postpartum depression, and the nurse should address potential harm to the newborn first.

Choice B rationale:

This is the priority action by the nurse. The client's symptoms are indicative of postpartum depression, and the nurse must assess if she has considered harming her newborn. This assessment is crucial for the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby.

Choice C rationale:

Anticipating a prescription for an antidepressant may be appropriate once a proper assessment and diagnosis are made, but it is not the priority action at this stage. Assessing for potential harm to the newborn takes precedence.

Choice D rationale:

Reinforcing postpartum and newborn care discharge teaching is essential for the client's well- being. However, it is not the priority action when the client is showing signs of postpartum depression and possible harm to the newborn.