A neonate is born with a bilateral cleft lip that was not detected during the pregnancy. The parents are distressed about the appearance of their infant. Which nursing actions are appropriate to assist the parents to bond with their newborn? Select all that apply

Question

1. Calling the newborn by the chosen name
2. Keeping the newborn's lower face covered with the blanket
3. Smiling and talking to the newborn in the parents' presence
4. Showing the parents before and after pictures of other children with cleft lips
5. Discussing positive features of the baby

Answer 1

1, 3, 4, 5
Explanation:
1. This behavior humanizes the child to the parents and is appropriate.
2. This indicates that the infant's appearance is distressing. Although the nurse would want to shield the child from a visitor's stare, the nurse would not want to hide the child from her own family.
3. This indicates acceptance of the infant by the nurse.
4. It is usually not appropriate to show before and after pictures as you cannot predict the success of the surgery on this child. But in the case of cleft lip, the improvement will be significant and it is considered acceptable to show before and after pictures.
5. Statements like, "Your baby is the sweetest thing—she never cries," can help the parents recognize positive features about their baby.