A student nurse is verbalizing disappointment in a new mothers seeming lack of interest in her newborn baby. The student complains to the registered nurse that the mother just wants to sleep and have someone else care for the infant. What response by the registered nurse is best?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, option C, "The mother may be completely exhausted from the childbirth experience," is the best response by the registered nurse. This answer demonstrates empathy and understanding towards the new mother's situation. Childbirth can be physically and emotionally draining, and it is common for mothers to feel exhausted and overwhelmed in the immediate postpartum period. By acknowledging the physical and emotional toll of childbirth, the nurse shows compassion and offers a plausible explanation for the mother's behavior. Option A, "Assess closely; we may need to call social work," is not the best response because it jumps to conclusions and escalates the situation without considering the new mother's perspective or circumstances. It is important to approach the situation with empathy and understanding before considering involving social work. Option B, "Don't judge other people until you have had a baby," is not an appropriate response as it dismisses the student nurse's concerns and fails to provide support or guidance in dealing with the situation. It is important to address the student nurse's feelings in a constructive and educational manner rather than resorting to dismissive statements. Option D, "We have to accept that everyone's experience is different," while acknowledging individual differences, does not directly address the student nurse's concerns or provide insight into the possible reasons behind the mother's behavior. It is essential to offer a more specific and supportive response in this situation to help guide the student nurse in understanding and empathizing with the new mother's situation. In an educational context, it is crucial for nursing students to learn how to approach and communicate effectively with patients, especially in sensitive situations like postpartum care. Understanding the physical and emotional challenges faced by new mothers is vital for providing holistic and compassionate care. By choosing option C, the nurse can role model empathetic communication and promote a patient-centered approach to care, which are essential skills for nursing students to develop in their practice.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct action for the nurse to demonstrate to the parents when the newborn starts gagging during suctioning is to turn the baby's head to the side (Option C). This is the correct choice because turning the baby's head to the side helps prevent aspiration if the baby vomits, allowing the secretions to flow out of the mouth instead of blocking the airway. Option A, picking the baby up and comforting her, is incorrect because in this situation, the priority is to ensure the baby's airway is clear and safe. Option B, placing the baby on her back, is also incorrect as this position can increase the risk of aspiration if the baby vomits. Option D, wiping secretions out with a cloth, is not the best choice as it may not effectively clear the airway in case of vomiting. From an educational perspective, it is important for nurses and parents to understand the correct positioning and actions to take in such situations to ensure the newborn's safety and prevent potential complications. Proper education on newborn care, including suctioning techniques and airway management, is crucial for healthcare providers and parents to promote the well-being of the newborn.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The babys 5-minute Apgar score is 8 (motion 2; pulse 2; grimace 2; appearance 1; respirations 1). If a 5-minute Apgar score is less than 9 the nurse should stabilize the infant instead of leaving the baby with the parents in the birthing unit. Because it appears that this babys problems are related to either oxygenation or perfusion the nurse should assess the oximetry reading and administer oxygen if needed.

Correct Answer: b

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Erythromycin (Eyemycin) for preventing ophthalmia neonatorum. Erythromycin is the recommended prophylactic medication for newborns to prevent this condition caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis. Erythromycin ointment is considered more effective and less irritating than silver nitrate. Penicillin is not used for ophthalmia neonatorum prophylaxis. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind using erythromycin is crucial for nursing students as it highlights evidence-based practice in neonatal care. It also emphasizes the importance of preventing ophthalmia neonatorum, a serious eye infection that can lead to blindness if left untreated. This knowledge equips nurses with the necessary information to provide safe and effective care to newborns. It also reinforces the significance of following established protocols and guidelines in medication administration to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the best action by the nurse is option A: encourage breastfeeding during the heel stick. Breastfeeding has been shown to have analgesic effects due to the release of endorphins in the infant, providing natural pain relief. This not only helps in reducing the perception of pain but also promotes maternal-infant bonding, which is crucial for the newborn's overall well-being. Option B, icing the infant's heel prior to the blood draw, is not recommended as cold temperature can cause vasoconstriction, making it harder to obtain an adequate blood sample. Option C, massaging the infant's heel after the needle stick, may provide some comfort but does not address the pain during the procedure itself. Option D, reassuring the mother that infants don't feel pain, is incorrect as infants do feel pain, and acknowledging and addressing their pain is essential for their care and comfort. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of utilizing non-pharmacological pain management strategies in neonatal care. It emphasizes the role of breastfeeding not only as a source of nutrition but also as a valuable comfort measure and pain relief method for newborns undergoing procedures. Understanding these strategies is crucial for nurses caring for newborns to provide holistic and developmentally appropriate care.