A baby is born at 32 weeks' gestation and is admitted to the ...

[james0929]

A baby is born at 32 weeks' gestation and is admitted to the NICU. After 4 difficult weeks, the child's condition has improved and survival seems guaranteed. The mother comes every day to feed the infant.
 
  Between feedings, the mother sits alone in the waiting room. The mother tells the nurse that she feels her life is in a holding pattern, not yet being a parent but no longer anticipating the excitement of the planned delivery. The nurse recognizes that the mother's reaction could be defined as: 1. Shock and disbelief.
  2. Anticipatory waiting.
  3. Readjustment.
  4. Mourning.

Question 2

An infant has acute otitis media. Which of the following would be the most important for the nurse to teach the parents?
 
  1. Keep the baby in a flat position during sleep.
   2. Administer acetaminophen (Tylenol) to relieve discomfort.
   3. Administer a decongestant.
   4. Place the baby to sleep with a pacifier.

[dawsa925]

Answer to Question 1

2
Rationale 1: This behavior does not describe shock and disbelief.
Rationale 2: The mother is describing the reaction period often described as anticipatory waiting. She cannot get on with her life until the child's condition improves and the child is discharged from the NICU.
Rationale 3: Readjustment occurs when the child's condition has improved to the point of transfer or discharge. When this occurs, the mother will not be waiting, but she will be looking forward to starting life with the new baby.
Rationale 4: When the child's condition deteriorates, the mother would display symptoms of grief.
Global Rationale:

Answer to Question 2

2
Rationale:
1. A flat position could exacerbate the discomfort. Elevating the head slightly is recommended.
2. An infant with a bulging tympanic membrane because of acute otitis media will have pain. Parents are taught to administer acetaminophen (Tylenol) to relieve the discomfort associated with acute otitis media.
3. Decongestants are not recommended for treatment of acute otitis media.
4. Placing infants to sleep with a pacifier can increase the incidence of otitis media.