ATI RN
Maternal and Newborn Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
To prevent breast engorgement a new breastfeeding mother should be instructed to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of maternal and newborn nursing, the correct answer to preventing breast engorgement for a new breastfeeding mother is option B) Breastfeed frequently and for adequate lengths of time to empty the breasts. This is the correct choice because frequent and thorough breastfeeding helps to stimulate milk flow, prevent milk stasis, and maintain breast comfort. When a mother breastfeeds often and ensures the breasts are emptied during each feeding session, it helps to prevent the build-up of excess milk that can lead to engorgement. Option A) Apply cold packs to the breast before feeding is incorrect because cold packs can actually decrease milk production and hinder the let-down reflex, making breastfeeding more difficult. Option C) Limit her intake of fluids for a few days is incorrect as adequate hydration is crucial for milk production and overall maternal health. Option D) Feed her infant no more than every 4 hours is incorrect as spacing out feedings too much can lead to decreased milk supply and potential engorgement issues. In an educational context, it is essential for nurses and healthcare providers to educate new breastfeeding mothers on the importance of frequent breastfeeding to prevent engorgement. By understanding the physiology behind milk production and the significance of emptying the breasts regularly, mothers can establish a successful breastfeeding routine that benefits both themselves and their newborns. Empowering mothers with this knowledge can enhance their breastfeeding experience and promote better maternal and infant health outcomes.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is providing discharge teaching to a 20-year-old mother who has had her first male child. Which statement by the mother demonstrates that she understands the discharge teaching regarding his circumcision?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) "I will observe the whitish-yellow drainage on his penis, but I will not remove it." This response demonstrates understanding because it shows the mother knows that some discharge after circumcision is normal and does not require removal. This indicates she understands the importance of allowing the natural healing process to occur. Option B is incorrect because routine removal of the whitish-yellow drainage is not necessary and could disrupt the healing process. Option C is incorrect as routine use of antibiotic ointment is not recommended unless specifically instructed by the healthcare provider due to the risk of antibiotic resistance and skin irritation. Option D is incorrect as rubbing the area briskly can cause irritation and discomfort, potentially interfering with healing. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to provide clear and accurate information to new mothers regarding newborn care, including circumcision aftercare. Understanding normal post-circumcision healing processes can help parents provide appropriate care and recognize when to seek medical advice if any concerns arise. Effective discharge teaching empowers parents to confidently care for their newborns at home while promoting optimal recovery and well-being.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse assigned to the care of newborn infants understands the importance of keeping these infants swaddled in a warm blanket to prevent heat loss. Why is this important in the care of the newborn?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In newborn care, swaddling infants in warm blankets is vital to prevent heat loss and maintain their thermoregulation. Option A is correct because when newborns get chilled, their bodies respond by increasing heat production through mechanisms like shivering, which in turn leads to greater oxygen consumption. This increased metabolic activity can strain a newborn's still-developing systems and potentially lead to oxygen desaturation. Option B is incorrect because a newborn's metabolic rate is actually higher than that of an adult due to their rapid growth and development, making it crucial to support their thermoregulation to meet these metabolic demands. Option C is incorrect as evaporation is more related to skin-to-skin contact and maintaining proper hydration rather than swaddling in a warm blanket. Option D is incorrect because while swaddling can promote comfort and improve sleep patterns, the primary reason for swaddling in a warm blanket is to prevent heat loss and subsequent complications in newborns. Educationally, understanding the importance of thermoregulation in newborn care is essential for nurses to provide safe and effective care. By keeping newborns warm through swaddling, nurses can help maintain their body temperature within a healthy range, supporting overall physiological stability and promoting optimal growth and development.
Question 4 of 5
A new mother asks the nurse why newborns receive an injection of vit. K after delivery. What will be the best response from the nurse?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is C) Newborns lack the intestinal flora needed to produce vitamin K, so it is given to prevent bleeding episodes. This is the best response because newborns have sterile intestines at birth and do not have the necessary gut bacteria to produce vitamin K. Vitamin K is crucial for the synthesis of clotting factors in the liver, and without it, newborns are at risk of bleeding disorders such as vitamin K deficiency bleeding. Administering vitamin K shortly after birth helps prevent these potential bleeding complications. Option A is incorrect because the primary reason for administering vitamin K to newborns is not related to digestion or the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Option B is incorrect as erythromycin ointment is given to prevent eye infections, not to provide vitamin K. Option D is incorrect because vitamin K does not substitute for vitamin C, and its main role in newborns is not related to strengthening the immune system but rather preventing bleeding issues due to vitamin K deficiency. In an educational context, it is essential for nurses and healthcare professionals to understand the rationale behind the administration of vitamin K to newborns to provide evidence-based care and address parental concerns effectively. New parents often have questions about procedures performed on their newborns, and having a clear understanding of the importance of vitamin K administration can help build trust and promote informed decision-making in newborn care.
Question 5 of 5
A postpartum client calls the pediatric clinic to report that her 4-day old female newborn has a spot of blood on her diaper. Which of the following statements made by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the most appropriate statement by the nurse is option C: "This is a normal finding due to withdrawal of maternal hormones." This response is correct because it addresses the common occurrence of a small amount of blood in a newborn's diaper, known as pseudomenstruation, which is caused by the withdrawal of maternal hormones after birth. Option A is incorrect because blood in the diaper is not typically indicative of a urinary infection in a newborn. Option B is incorrect as jaundice does not cause blood in the diaper. Option D is also incorrect because while breast milk does provide immune support, it is not directly related to the presence of blood in the diaper. Educationally, understanding normal newborn physiology and common variations in the immediate postpartum period is crucial for nurses working in maternal and newborn care. It is important for nurses to provide accurate information and reassurance to parents to promote their understanding and confidence in caring for their newborn.