The nurse notes that Mrs. N., who is Vietnamese, does not cuddle or interact with her newborn other than to feed him, change his diapers or soiled clothes, or put him to bed. In evaluating Mrs. N

Question

's behavior with her infant, the nurse realizes that: 1. what appears to be a "lack of interest" in the newborn is, in fact, the Vietnamese way of demonstrating intense love by attempting to ward off evil spirits.
2. Mrs. N. is inexperienced in caring for newborns.
3. Mrs. N. needs a referral to a social worker for further evaluation of her parenting behaviors once she goes home with the newborn.
4. extra time needs to be planned for assisting Mrs. N. in bonding with her newborn.

Answer 1

1
1. Correct. The nurse may observe a Vietnamese woman who gives minimal care to her infant and refuses to cuddle or interact with her infant. This apparent lack of interest in the newborn is this cultural group's attempt to ward off evil spirits and actually reflects an in-tense love and concern for the infant.
2. Incorrect. Cultural beliefs are important determinants of parenting behaviors. Mrs. N.'s "lack of interest" is a Vietnamese cultural behavior.
3. Incorrect. Cultural beliefs are important determinants of parenting behaviors. Mrs. N.'s "lack of interest" is a Vietnamese cultural behavior. The lack of infant interaction is not a form of infant neglect but rather a demonstration of love and concern for the infant.
4. Incorrect. The nurse may observe Mrs. N. and be concerned by the apparent lack of in-terest in the newborn when, in fact, this is a cultural display of love and concern for the infant. It is important to educate Mrs. N. in infant care, but it is equally important to acknowledge her cultural beliefs and practices.