NUR231 Exam 3 V2 | NUR 231
Childbearing & Child Caring Family Exam
Q&A | Galen College of Nursing
1. A nurse is teaching a new mother about postpartum ‘baby blues.’ Which statement by the
mother indicates an understanding of this condition?
A. I should feel better within about two weeks without medical treatment.
B. This means I am at high risk for hurting my baby.
C. I will need to start antidepressant medication immediately.
D. The blues usually start about one month after discharge.
Answer: A
Rationale: Postpartum blues are a common, self-limiting condition that typically resolves
within 10 to 14 days. It is characterized by emotional lability and crying spells but does not
typically interfere with the mother’s ability to care for the infant. If symptoms persist
longer than two weeks, the mother should be screened for postpartum depression.
2. At what age should a nurse expect an infant to begin showing the ‘social smile’ in response
to others?
A. 2 months
B. Newborn
C. 6 months
,D. 9 months
Answer: A
Rationale: The social smile is a significant developmental milestone that usually appears
around 2 months of age. It marks the beginning of social interaction and engagement with
caregivers. This differs from reflexive smiles seen in the neonatal period, which are not
triggered by social stimuli.
3. Which of the following instructions is most important for a nurse to include when teaching
SIDS prevention?
A. Place the infant on their side for all sleep periods.
B. Place the infant in the supine position (on the back) to sleep.
C. Ensure the infant’s mattress is soft and cushioned.
D. Keep the nursery temperature at 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Answer: B
Rationale: The ‘Back to Sleep’ campaign highlights that the supine position is the safest for
infants to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Soft bedding, pillows, and side-
sleeping increase the risk of suffocation or rebreathing carbon dioxide. Educating parents
on a firm sleep surface and a clutter-free crib is vital for safety.
4. A mother asks when she should introduce solid foods to her 4-month-old infant. What is
the nurse’s best response?
A. Wait until about 6 months when the tongue-extrusion reflex disappears.
, B. You can start now if the baby seems hungry after breastfeeding.
C. Solid foods should be started at 12 months to prevent allergies.
D. Introduction of solids depends on when the first tooth erupts.
Answer: A
Rationale: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for
about 6 months. Around this time, the tongue-extrusion reflex disappears, and the infant
develops the physiological readiness to swallow solids. Starting earlier increases the risk of
choking and may contribute to obesity later in life.
5. Which developmental milestone is typically achieved by a 9-month-old infant?
A. Developing a crude pincer grasp
B. Walking without assistance
C. Speaking in 3-word sentences
D. Building a tower of six blocks
Answer: A
Rationale: At 9 months, infants typically develop the crude pincer grasp, which involves
using the thumb and forefinger to pick up small objects. Walking usually occurs between
12-15 months, and multi-word sentences are a toddler milestone. This stage also
frequently involves the onset of stranger anxiety.
Childbearing & Child Caring Family Exam
Q&A | Galen College of Nursing
1. A nurse is teaching a new mother about postpartum ‘baby blues.’ Which statement by the
mother indicates an understanding of this condition?
A. I should feel better within about two weeks without medical treatment.
B. This means I am at high risk for hurting my baby.
C. I will need to start antidepressant medication immediately.
D. The blues usually start about one month after discharge.
Answer: A
Rationale: Postpartum blues are a common, self-limiting condition that typically resolves
within 10 to 14 days. It is characterized by emotional lability and crying spells but does not
typically interfere with the mother’s ability to care for the infant. If symptoms persist
longer than two weeks, the mother should be screened for postpartum depression.
2. At what age should a nurse expect an infant to begin showing the ‘social smile’ in response
to others?
A. 2 months
B. Newborn
C. 6 months
,D. 9 months
Answer: A
Rationale: The social smile is a significant developmental milestone that usually appears
around 2 months of age. It marks the beginning of social interaction and engagement with
caregivers. This differs from reflexive smiles seen in the neonatal period, which are not
triggered by social stimuli.
3. Which of the following instructions is most important for a nurse to include when teaching
SIDS prevention?
A. Place the infant on their side for all sleep periods.
B. Place the infant in the supine position (on the back) to sleep.
C. Ensure the infant’s mattress is soft and cushioned.
D. Keep the nursery temperature at 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Answer: B
Rationale: The ‘Back to Sleep’ campaign highlights that the supine position is the safest for
infants to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Soft bedding, pillows, and side-
sleeping increase the risk of suffocation or rebreathing carbon dioxide. Educating parents
on a firm sleep surface and a clutter-free crib is vital for safety.
4. A mother asks when she should introduce solid foods to her 4-month-old infant. What is
the nurse’s best response?
A. Wait until about 6 months when the tongue-extrusion reflex disappears.
, B. You can start now if the baby seems hungry after breastfeeding.
C. Solid foods should be started at 12 months to prevent allergies.
D. Introduction of solids depends on when the first tooth erupts.
Answer: A
Rationale: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for
about 6 months. Around this time, the tongue-extrusion reflex disappears, and the infant
develops the physiological readiness to swallow solids. Starting earlier increases the risk of
choking and may contribute to obesity later in life.
5. Which developmental milestone is typically achieved by a 9-month-old infant?
A. Developing a crude pincer grasp
B. Walking without assistance
C. Speaking in 3-word sentences
D. Building a tower of six blocks
Answer: A
Rationale: At 9 months, infants typically develop the crude pincer grasp, which involves
using the thumb and forefinger to pick up small objects. Walking usually occurs between
12-15 months, and multi-word sentences are a toddler milestone. This stage also
frequently involves the onset of stranger anxiety.
