The parents of a preterm infant are visiting their baby in the ...

[lb_gilbert]

The parents of a preterm infant are visiting their baby in the high-risk nursery for the first time. It would be important for the nurse to explain that:
 
  a. The baby is too fragile to be touched.
  b. Parental contact is not needed by the baby at this stage.
  c. It is best to let the nurses feed the baby at this time.
  d. Parents are encouraged to touch, hold, and feed their baby.

Question 2

Although the signs of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) are relatively nonspecific, some generalized signs that nurses caring for preterm newborns should be alert for include:
 
  a. Hypertension, tachypnea, ruddy skin color
  b. Abdominal distention, absent bowel sounds, bloody stools
  c. Hypertonia, tachycardia, metabolic alkalosis
  d. Constipation, no residual with feedings, hyperactive bowel sounds

[frre432]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Physical contact and caregiving foster parent-infant interaction and promote attachment. Physical contact also contributes to the weight gain and well-being of the preterm newborn.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Signs of NEC include abdominal distention with increased residual feeding (not decreased), diminished or absent bowel sounds (not hyperactive), diarrhea (not constipation), and blood in the stool.