Chapter 09: The Family After Birth
Leifer: Introduction to Maternity and Pediatric Nursing, 9th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. After birth, the nurse quickly dries and wraps the newborn in a blanket. How does this action
prevent heat loss?
a. Conduction
b. Radiation
c. Evaporation
d. Convection
ANS: C
Newborns lose heat quickly after birth as fluid evaporates from their bodies.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: p. 227 | Table 9.3
OBJ: 2 TOP: Thermoregulation
KEY: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation
2. What will the nurse‘s instructions for a new mother to care for the infant‘s umbilical cord
include?
a. Keeping the area covered with a sterile dressing
b. Dressing the stump with antibiotic ointment at every diaper change
c. Fastening the diaper low to allow for air circulation
d. Giving the newborn a daily tub bath until the cord falls off
ANS: C
Diaper placement below the umbilical stump allows for drying by air circulation.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: p. 230 OBJ: 2
TOP: Umbilical Cord Care KEY: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Health Promotion and Maintenance: Prevention and Early Detection
of Disease
, 3. A new mother states her preference to formula feed her newborn. What will the nurse planning
discharge instructions tell her to help suppress lactation and promote comfort?
a. Wear a well-fitting bra continuously for several days.
b. Stand in a warm shower, letting the water spray over the breasts.
c. Express small amounts of milk from the breasts several times a day.
d. Massage the breasts when they ache.
ANS: A
When a mother does not wish to breastfeed, a snug bra worn around the clock can help
alleviate discomfort from engorgement.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: pp. 241-242 OBJ: 14 | 19
TOP: Suppression of Lactation KEY: Nursing Process Step: Planning
MSC: NCLEX: Health Promotion and Maintenance: Prevention and Early Detection
of Disease
4. On the second postpartum day, a mother bathed her newborn for the first time. She tells the
nurse, “I don‘t think I did it right.” What postpartum psychological stage is this woman most
likely in based on this comment?
a. Taking in
b. Taking hold
c. Letting go
d. Settling down
ANS: B
In phase 2, taking hold, the mother begins to initiate action and becomes interested in caring
for the infant. In doing so, she may become critical of her performance.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis REF: p. 226 OBJ: 6
TOP: Postpartum Psychological Stages KEY: Nursing Process Step: Data
Collection
MSC: NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity: Physiological Adaptation
5. A primipara tells the nurse, “My afterpains get worse when I am breastfeeding.” What is the most
appropriate nursing response?
Leifer: Introduction to Maternity and Pediatric Nursing, 9th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. After birth, the nurse quickly dries and wraps the newborn in a blanket. How does this action
prevent heat loss?
a. Conduction
b. Radiation
c. Evaporation
d. Convection
ANS: C
Newborns lose heat quickly after birth as fluid evaporates from their bodies.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: p. 227 | Table 9.3
OBJ: 2 TOP: Thermoregulation
KEY: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation
2. What will the nurse‘s instructions for a new mother to care for the infant‘s umbilical cord
include?
a. Keeping the area covered with a sterile dressing
b. Dressing the stump with antibiotic ointment at every diaper change
c. Fastening the diaper low to allow for air circulation
d. Giving the newborn a daily tub bath until the cord falls off
ANS: C
Diaper placement below the umbilical stump allows for drying by air circulation.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: p. 230 OBJ: 2
TOP: Umbilical Cord Care KEY: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Health Promotion and Maintenance: Prevention and Early Detection
of Disease
, 3. A new mother states her preference to formula feed her newborn. What will the nurse planning
discharge instructions tell her to help suppress lactation and promote comfort?
a. Wear a well-fitting bra continuously for several days.
b. Stand in a warm shower, letting the water spray over the breasts.
c. Express small amounts of milk from the breasts several times a day.
d. Massage the breasts when they ache.
ANS: A
When a mother does not wish to breastfeed, a snug bra worn around the clock can help
alleviate discomfort from engorgement.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: pp. 241-242 OBJ: 14 | 19
TOP: Suppression of Lactation KEY: Nursing Process Step: Planning
MSC: NCLEX: Health Promotion and Maintenance: Prevention and Early Detection
of Disease
4. On the second postpartum day, a mother bathed her newborn for the first time. She tells the
nurse, “I don‘t think I did it right.” What postpartum psychological stage is this woman most
likely in based on this comment?
a. Taking in
b. Taking hold
c. Letting go
d. Settling down
ANS: B
In phase 2, taking hold, the mother begins to initiate action and becomes interested in caring
for the infant. In doing so, she may become critical of her performance.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis REF: p. 226 OBJ: 6
TOP: Postpartum Psychological Stages KEY: Nursing Process Step: Data
Collection
MSC: NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity: Physiological Adaptation
5. A primipara tells the nurse, “My afterpains get worse when I am breastfeeding.” What is the most
appropriate nursing response?
