The mother tells the nurse that her other child, a 4-year-old boy, has developed some 'strange eating habits', including not finishing meals and eating the same foods for several days in a row. She would like to develop a plan to correct this situation. In developing such a plan, the nurse and mother should consider...

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Allowing him to make some decisions about the foods he eats. In pediatric nursing, it is crucial to consider a child's autonomy and preferences when addressing eating habits. Allowing the child to make some decisions empowers him, promotes a positive relationship with food, and reduces mealtime conflicts. This approach supports the child's development of healthy eating habits in the long term. Option A) Deciding on a good reward for finishing a meal, may encourage the child to eat for the reward rather than internal motivation for nourishment. This can lead to unhealthy eating behaviors and associations with food. Option C) Requiring him to eat the foods served at mealtimes can create a power struggle and negative mealtime environment, potentially exacerbating the child's aversion to certain foods. Option D) Not allowing him to play with friends until he eats all the food served, uses punishment as a motivator for eating, which can lead to further resistance and stress around mealtimes, impacting the child's relationship with food negatively. Educationally, understanding child development, psychology, and nutrition is essential in pediatric nursing to provide holistic care that considers not only physical health but also emotional and psychological well-being. Empowering children to make choices about their food fosters independence and a positive attitude towards nutrition.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: An increase in WBC count to 25,000/mm³ during the postpartum period is considered normal and not a sign of infection. The nurse should document the finding. There is no reason to alert the health care provider. Antibiotics are not needed because the elevated WBCs are caused by the stress of labor and not an infectious process. There is no need for reassessment as it is expected for the WBCs to be elevated.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is option D, which involves gently palpating the fundus using the same technique as for vaginal deliveries. This technique is appropriate because after a cesarean birth, the fundus should be assessed for firmness and position to ensure adequate contraction of the uterus, which helps prevent postpartum hemorrhage. Gently palpating allows the nurse to assess the fundus without causing discomfort or disrupting any healing incisions from the cesarean procedure. Option A is incorrect because assessing lochial flow does not provide direct information about fundal contraction. Lochial flow assessment is important but does not replace the need to palpate the fundus. Option B is incorrect as palpating forcefully through the abdominal dressing can be painful for the mother, disturb any wound healing, and may not accurately assess the fundal contraction. Option C is incorrect as pressing downward on both sides of the abdomen does not specifically target the fundus for assessment. This method may not provide an accurate evaluation of fundal tone and position. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to understand the correct techniques for assessing postpartum fundal contraction, especially after cesarean births. Proper assessment helps in early identification of uterine atony or other postpartum complications, allowing for timely interventions and preventing adverse outcomes for both the mother and the baby. Nurses should be trained in gentle palpation techniques and understand the significance of fundal assessment in postpartum care.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The lochia of the cesarean birth mother will go through the same phases as that of the woman who had a vaginal birth; however, the amount will be reduced. The finding of a saturated pad is abnormal, even after breastfeeding, and an indication of hemorrhage. The health care provider needs to be notified immediately. Weighing the peripad will give an estimation of the blood loss; but, this assessment can result in a delay of care. Replacing the peripad and documentation of the findings are appropriate when the data are within normal limits.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Saturated peripad with lochia rubra after cesarean birth indicates abnormal bleeding and potential hemorrhage. The nurse's priority action should be to contact the health care provider immediately for further assessment and intervention. Weighing the peripad can provide an estimation of blood loss but may cause a delay in care. Replacing the peripad and documenting the finding are appropriate actions but not the priority when facing potential hemorrhage.