The nurse is providing education to a patient who has given birth to her first child and is being discharged home. The patient expressed concern regarding infant mortality and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The patient had an uncomplicated pregnancy, labor, and vaginal delivery. She has a body mass index of 25 and has no other health conditions. The infant is healthy and was delivered full-term. What will be most helpful thing to explain to the patient?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) The Safe to Sleep campaign. This campaign, formerly known as the Back to Sleep campaign, focuses on educating parents and caregivers on safe sleep practices to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It emphasizes placing babies on their backs to sleep, using a firm sleep surface, keeping soft objects and loose bedding out of the sleep area, and avoiding overheating. Option A) Uses of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy (ECMO) and Option B) Uses of exogenous pulmonary surfactant are not relevant to the patient's concern about infant mortality and SIDS, as they are specific medical interventions for respiratory distress syndrome in newborns. Option C) The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative promotes breastfeeding support in hospitals and does not directly address the patient's concerns about infant mortality and SIDS. Educating the patient about the Safe to Sleep campaign is crucial as it empowers parents to create a safe sleep environment for their infant, which is a key preventive measure against SIDS. By providing this information, the nurse can help alleviate the patient's concerns and promote a safe sleep environment for the newborn, ultimately contributing to infant safety and well-being.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is option A) "Due to my weight, there is a possibility that I may develop gestational diabetes." This response indicates that the patient understands the increased risk of gestational diabetes associated with being overweight. Obesity is a well-known risk factor for gestational diabetes as excess weight can lead to insulin resistance, which is a key factor in the development of diabetes during pregnancy. Option B is incorrect because weight is a significant risk factor for gestational diabetes, regardless of whether the patient considers themselves overweight or not. Option C is irrelevant to the question as it talks about the patient's mother's medical history, which does not directly relate to the patient's risk factors. Option D is incorrect because while a glucose tolerance test may be necessary, it does not address the underlying risk factor of weight in relation to gestational diabetes. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of patient education on risk factors for complications during pregnancy. It emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to educate patients on how factors like weight can impact their pregnancy and the importance of managing these risks to ensure a healthy outcome for both the mother and the baby.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is option B) Healthy People 2020. The Healthy People 2020 initiative provides science-based, 10-year national objectives for improving the health of all Americans. It specifically addresses perinatal health and sets goals for reducing fetal death outcomes during delivery. By using the guidelines from Healthy People 2020, the nursing student can align her goals with national objectives and evidence-based practices to effectively decrease fetal death rates. Option A) WHO Maternal care guidelines may provide valuable information on a global scale, but for this specific question regarding decreasing fetal death outcomes in the context of the United States, referring to national objectives like Healthy People 2020 would be more appropriate. Option C) AWHONN white papers are resources from the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, which are valuable for clinical practice guidelines and recommendations, but may not specifically address national objectives related to decreasing fetal death outcomes during delivery. Option D) State Practice Act outlines the legal scope of nursing practice within a specific state, which is important for ensuring safe and ethical care, but it does not provide guidelines for setting goals to decrease fetal death outcomes during delivery at a national level. For nursing students, understanding and utilizing national health objectives like Healthy People 2020 is crucial for evidence-based practice and aligning care goals with broader public health initiatives. By incorporating these guidelines into their practice, nursing students can contribute to improving perinatal health outcomes and providing quality care to mothers and infants.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) Her child may have impaired brain development. Smoking during pregnancy is a known risk factor for adverse outcomes in the developing fetus. Nicotine and other harmful chemicals in cigarettes can restrict blood flow to the placenta, leading to decreased oxygen and nutrient delivery to the fetus, which can result in impaired brain development. Option A is incorrect as the patient's smoking habits do not directly correlate with her choice to breastfeed her infant. Option B is incorrect because while smoking can increase the risk of preterm birth, this information was not provided in the scenario. Option C is incorrect as the patient's educational background was not mentioned and is not directly related to the effects of smoking on the developing fetus. In an educational context, it is crucial for healthcare providers, especially nurses, to understand the impact of maternal behaviors such as smoking on fetal development. This knowledge allows nurses to provide appropriate education and support to pregnant women to help them make informed decisions that promote the health and well-being of both the mother and the developing fetus. Understanding the implications of maternal smoking can guide nurses in developing individualized care plans and interventions to mitigate potential risks and promote positive outcomes for both the mother and the newborn.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: "You can do some Kegel exercises today and then slowly increase your toning exercises over the next few weeks." This response is appropriate because it provides the client with specific guidance on postpartum exercises that are safe and beneficial for her recovery. Kegel exercises help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which can be done early postpartum to promote healing. Slowly increasing toning exercises over time is important to prevent injury and allow the body to regain strength gradually. Option A is incorrect because the client does not need to wait until the six-week checkup to start any form of exercise. Option B is incorrect as it limits the client to only Kegel exercises when a gradual return to other exercises is safe. Option C is incorrect because returning to the pre-pregnancy exercise routine immediately postpartum can be too strenuous for the body that is still healing. Educationally, it is important for nurses to provide evidence-based guidance on postpartum exercises to promote the physical well-being and recovery of clients. Understanding the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and childbirth is crucial in tailoring exercise recommendations to each individual's needs. Encouraging gradual progression in exercise routines can help prevent complications and support the client's overall health and fitness goals postpartum.