Ask the nurse why their newborn's head seems lopsided and not round, as they thought it should be. The nurse's best response is:
1. "I don't think it looks unusual; actually the head is beautifully shaped."
2. "Your baby's head had to shape itself to the birth canal. It will look round in a few days."
3. "You're right. We'll make sure your doctor checks this out."
4. "Babies' heads always look funny. Once his hair grows out, you'll hardly notice it."
Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: This option dismisses the parent's concerns.
Rationale 2: Molding of the head is made possible by the fontanels and occurs during vaginal deliveries as the head comes through the birth canal. Within a week, the newborn's head usually regains its symmetry. It is normal with vaginal deliveries. Babies born via cesarean section do not experience molding. Molding is not permanent–a fact that makes parents feel more reassured.
Rationale 3: This condition is not abnormal and does not need to be referred to the doctor but rather the nurse needs to reassure the parents that nothing is wrong.
Rationale 4: This option is not necessarily true nor does it adequatelyanswer the paent's concerns.
You might also like to view...
A postpartum patient complains of severe perineal pain and a sensation of needing to defecate but cannot pass stool. What action by the nurse is best?
A. Administer a stool softener. B. Document the findings in the chart. C. Offer a warm sitz bath. D. Palpate the perineal area.
What is true about nurse practice acts?
a. They informally define the scope of nursing practice. b. They provide for unlimited scope of nursing practice. c. Only some states have adopted a nurse practice act. d. The nurse must know the nurse practice act within his or her state.
A primigravida is admitted in labor at 3 centimeters dilation. She asks the nurse, "How long will my labor last?" The nurse's response should indicate that the average length is approximately how many hours?
a. 3 to 5 c. 13 to 15 b. 8 to 10 d. 17 to 19
How many milliliters of full-strength Sustacal are needed to prepare 240 mL of half-strength Sustacal?
1. 120 mL 2. 240 mL 3. 360 mL 4. 480 mL