Nurses play a critical role in educating parents regarding measures to prevent infant abduction. Which instructions contribute to infant safety and security?

Question

a. The mother should check the photo ID of any person who comes to her room.
b. The baby should be carried in the parent's arms from the room to the nursery.
c. Because of infant security systems, the baby can be left unattended in the patient's room.
d. Parents should use caution when posting photos of their infant on the Internet.
e. The mom should request that a second staff member verify the identity of any questionable person.

Answer 1

ANS: A, D, E
Nurses must discuss infant security precautions with the mother and her family because infant abduction continues to be a concern. The mother should be taught to check the identity of any person who comes to remove the baby from her room. Hospital personnel usually wear picture identification patches. On some units staff members also wear matching scrubs or special badges that are unique to the perinatal unit. As a rule the baby is never carried in arms between the mother's room and the nursery, but rather is always wheeled in a bassinet. The infant should never be left unattended, even if the facility has an infant security system. Parents should be instructed to use caution when posting photos of their new baby on the Internet and other public forums.