QUESTION: "While observing a new mother interact with her first baby, the nurse observes that the client appears hesitant to care for the neonate. Which of the following actions would be most important for the nurse to do?"
CHOICES
( X ) a.) Make a referral to the medical social worker.
( X ) b.) Ask the client about her childhood experiences.
( O ) c.) Continue to provide praise and support to the client.
( X ) d.) Contact the client's family members for support.
RATIONALE: The new mother may seem hesitant to handle the neonate due to lack of experience. The role of the nurse is to continue to provide support, praise, and encouragement. The client needs emotional support, reassurance, reinforcement of appropriate behavior, and advice about how to manage. Hesitancy is common for the new mother. If the mother continues to be fearful or does not appear to be interested in caring for the neonate, then a referral may be warranted. Providing the mother with praise and support demonstrates that the nurse cares for the family. No indications are present that would demonstrate a need to ask about childhood experiences. While family support is important for all new mothers, the nurse should provide support and praise first. Mothers feel a sense of accomplishment as they gain experience in newborn care with the help of the nurse. NURSING PROCESS STEP: Implementation CLIENT NEEDS CATEGORY: Health promotion and maintenance CLIENT NEEDS SUBCATEGORY: None
