A 9-year-old girl is brought to the pediatrician's office for an annual physical checkup. She has no history of significant health problems. When the nurse asks the girl about her best friend, the nurse is assessing...

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Social development. When the nurse asks the girl about her best friend, she is assessing the child's social development. Social development in children involves their ability to form relationships, interact with peers, communicate effectively, and understand social cues. By inquiring about the child's best friend, the nurse is evaluating the girl's social skills, friendships, and overall social well-being. Option A) Language development is incorrect because asking about a best friend pertains more to social interactions rather than language skills. Option B) Motor development is irrelevant in this context as it focuses on physical movement and coordination, which are not being assessed by asking about a best friend. Option C) Neurological development is also not the most appropriate choice as it pertains to the brain and nervous system functioning, which is not directly related to inquiring about friendships. Educationally, understanding the importance of assessing social development in pediatric patients is crucial for healthcare providers. Strong social skills contribute to a child's overall well-being, emotional health, and future relationships. By evaluating social development, healthcare professionals can identify any potential concerns early on and provide appropriate support and interventions to promote healthy social growth in children.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) "They will fade to silvery lines but won't disappear completely." This response is the best choice because it provides the patient with a realistic expectation regarding the fate of stretch marks postpartum. It acknowledges that the marks will not completely vanish but will fade over time, which is an accurate and honest explanation. Option A, "No, never," is incorrect because it provides a definitive and discouraging response without considering the possibility of improvement. Option B, "Yes, eventually," is vague and does not give a clear timeframe or outcome, lacking the specificity needed to address the patient's concerns effectively. Option D, "They will continue to fade and should be gone by your 6-week checkup," is incorrect as it sets an unrealistic expectation of total disappearance within a short timeframe. This answer lacks accuracy and may lead to disappointment or confusion for the patient. From an educational perspective, this question highlights the importance of providing patients with honest and realistic information about their postpartum changes. It also emphasizes the significance of effective communication skills in addressing patient concerns and setting appropriate expectations. Educating nurses on how to deliver truthful yet empathetic responses can enhance patient trust and satisfaction in their care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: For some women, ovulation resumes as early as 3 weeks postpartum. Therefore contraceptive measures are important considerations when sexual relations are resumed for lactating and nonlactating women. Further teaching would be needed if the patient does not feel any need for birth control with breastfeeding and supplementing with formula. The first stool usually occurs within 2 to 3 days postpartum. Normal patterns of bowel elimination generally resume by 8 to 14 days after birth.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Reciprocal attachment behavior, as described in option B, refers to the positive feedback that an infant gives to their parents during the attachment process. This behavior signifies a mutual and interactive relationship between the infant and the caregiver, where the infant responds to the parent's interactions with expressions of affection, such as smiling, cooing, or seeking closeness. This reciprocal exchange fosters a secure attachment bond, which is essential for the infant's emotional development and overall well-being. Option A is incorrect because it describes the quiet alert stage, which is a different concept related to infant behavior but not specifically reciprocal attachment behavior. Option C is incorrect as it oversimplifies the complex nature of attachment behaviors by implying that they are unidirectional and solely initiated by eye contact. Option D is incorrect as it inaccurately characterizes reciprocal attachment behavior as a means for infants to manipulate parental emotions rather than as a genuine emotional response within the attachment relationship. In an educational context, understanding reciprocal attachment behavior is crucial for pediatric nurses as they work with infants and their families. By recognizing and supporting the reciprocal interactions between infants and caregivers, nurses can promote healthy attachment development, which is foundational for the infant's social and emotional growth. This knowledge can guide nurses in providing family-centered care that strengthens the parent-infant relationship and promotes optimal child development.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Positive reinforcement of the mother's attempt to provide care to the newborn will promote a healthy self-concept. The mother needs encouragement during this vulnerable time, not criticism or false reassurance. By praising her efforts, the nurse can help boost the mother's confidence in her caregiving abilities.