QUESTION: "The nurse evaluates the mothering skills of an adolescent primigravida changing her baby's diaper for the first time. When caring for this client, the nurse should focus on the client's need for which of the following?"
CHOICES
( O ) a.) Praise and encouragement.
( X ) b.) Detailed written instructions.
( X ) c.) Family availability for assistance.
( X ) d.) Acceptance by the client's peers.
RATIONALE: The adolescent client may have special needs during the postpartum period. Praise and encouragement of her mothering skills are important for building the client's confidence and self-esteem. Although they may be helpful in some instances, detailed written instructions or prolonged verbal instructions are inappropriate. Lengthy explanations, either verbal or in writing, may overwhelm the first-time mother, adding to her fears and feelings of inadequacy. Family availability is important but not essential. For example, it is not essential that the client's mother assist her. However, the nurse can instruct the client while her mother is present. Peer acceptance is a major component of adolescence, but lack of knowledge or experience about infant care is unrelated to peer acceptance. The reality of caring for a neonate may be a crisis for the adolescent. NURSING PROCESS STEP: Implementation CLIENT NEEDS CATEGORY: Health promotion and maintenance CLIENT NEEDS SUBCATEGORY: None
