A postpartum patient asks, "Will these stretch marks ever go away?" Which is the nurse's best response?

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: 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.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the context of subinvolution of the uterus, where the uterus fails to return to its normal size after childbirth, if nonsurgical treatments such as medications or interventions like antibiotics or uterine massage are ineffective, a surgical procedure like dilation and curettage (D&C) may be necessary. D&C involves scraping the uterine lining to remove any retained placental tissue, clots, or debris that may be causing the subinvolution. This procedure helps promote proper involution of the uterus. Option A, hysterectomy, involves the removal of the uterus entirely and is not typically indicated for subinvolution unless there are severe complications. Option B, laparoscopy, is a minimally invasive procedure used for diagnostic purposes or to perform certain surgeries, but it is not the primary choice for addressing subinvolution. Option C, laparotomy, involves a larger abdominal incision and is usually reserved for more complex cases, not for subinvolution. Educationally, it is important for nursing students preparing for the NCLEX to understand the various treatment options for postpartum complications like subinvolution. Knowing when surgical interventions are necessary and the appropriate procedures for specific conditions is crucial for providing safe and effective care to postpartum patients. Understanding the rationale behind each treatment option helps nurses make informed decisions and advocate for their patients' health and well-being.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the organisms that cause mastitis are localized in the breast tissue and are not passed through the breast milk to the infant. This means that the infant is not at risk of infection from breastfeeding during mastitis. While immunoglobulins in breast milk can protect infants from other infections, they do not protect against the specific organisms causing mastitis. Additionally, gastric acid does not inactivate these organisms.