A new mother is concerned that her 3-year-old child is not ...

[Diane]

A new mother is concerned that her 3-year-old child is not adapting well to the birth of a new sibling 1 month ago. What suggestion can the nurse provide to best help this mother?
 
  A.
  Explain to the child that she will always have a special bond with the new sibling.
  B.
  Give the 3-year-old a special chore that only she does to help her mom.
  C.
  Promise the 3-year-old that she can have a pet if she is good to her new sibling.
  D.
  Tell the child she will need to get used to having a new baby in the house.

Question 2

An adolescent has vaginally given birth to a healthy baby. What action by the nurse would be most important in developing a plan to help this mother bond successfully?
 
  A.
  Ask the mother about her expectations of the baby and their relationship.
  B.
  Determine if the mother plans to keep the baby or give it up for adoption.
  C.
  Inquire as to how many family members are available to help care for the baby.
  D.
  Refer the mother and her baby to the social worker or to the visiting nurses.

[jamesnevil303]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Often siblings have a rough time adapting to the arrival of a new sibling. Some suggestions for the parents are to talk to the child about her feelings, teach the child how to play with the baby, praise age-appropriate behaviors and do not criticize regressive behaviors (regression is common), set aside special time each day for the older child, and give the older child a special chore to be a big helper for Mommy. A special chore, such as bringing diapers when the baby needs changing, can help boost her self-esteem and make her feel important to the family.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Adolescent mothers may have difficulty with bonding and attachment because they have unrealistic ideas of the baby's level of functioning and may not be aware of the baby's level of vulnerability. Asking about the mother's expectations for the baby and their relationship is a good starting point to initiate a discussion about this topic. Plans for keeping or adopting the baby should have already been established. Family members can help give the mother a break from infant care, but the less the mother cares for the baby, the less bonding she will demonstrate. A referral may be needed, but this is not the first action.

[Diane]

Thank you

[jamesnevil303]

Happy to help you