Postpartum Care for Grieving Parents: Nursing Techniques

What is one of the early steps in helping grieving parents express their grief?

Using open-ended questions or reflection of feelings

Why might parents experience grief even when a healthy child is born?

Because the newborn does not meet their expectations in size, sex, or appearance

How should nurses handle parents' feelings about their newborn?

Accept and encourage their expressions of grief

What might a woman who has experienced the loss of a newborn feel?

Regret, remorse, and sorrow Signup and view all the answers

What can awaken grief in parents who thought they had resolved it?

Birth of a new child that reminds them of a previous loss Signup and view all the answers

In what situation might parents wish to have a baptism performed for their newborn?

If the condition of the newborn is poor Signup and view all the answers

What temperature range is considered normal for the term newborn?

36° to 36.5° C (96.8° to 97.7° F; skin) Signup and view all the answers

Which method of heat loss involves direct skin contact with a cold surface?

Conduction Signup and view all the answers

What issues can hypothermia in newborns lead to?

Low blood sugar Signup and view all the answers

During which phase does the newborn stabilize, show readiness for feeding, and exhibit changes in color and muscle tone?

Phase 3: 2 to 8 hours Signup and view all the answers

What does hypoglycemia in newborns result from, according to the text?

Using glucose to generate heat Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of delaying the newborn's first bath?

To avoid hypothermia Signup and view all the answers

Which phase of newborn transition includes signs like tachycardia and startle reflex?

Phase 1: 0 to 30 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What should be checked in a mother to ensure successful breastfeeding?

Her breasts for engorgement Signup and view all the answers

Why should a mother discard any formula leftovers?

Because bacteria multiply rapidly in formula Signup and view all the answers

What is the cause of yellow skin color in newborns?

Excess erythrocytes Signup and view all the answers

Why do newborns need only a shirt and diaper for clothing initially?

Because it helps in temperature regulation Signup and view all the answers

What can high levels of bilirubin cause in newborns?

Kernicterus Signup and view all the answers

What should a nurse do in case of doubt about whether a newborn is alive during baptism?

Perform the baptism conditionally Signup and view all the answers

What reactions might grieving parents display when a newborn dies unexpectedly?

Shock, disbelief, and sadness Signup and view all the answers

What protocol do nursing units follow to help parents accept and resolve the death of a newborn?

Provide mementos and private time with the newborn Signup and view all the answers

Why should nursing units create a memory packet for grieving families?

To help parents remember their newborn Signup and view all the answers

How does a family care plan differ from a traditional nursing care plan in obstetrics?

It views the entire family as the 'patient' Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for nurses to listen to parents' responses when dealing with grieving families?

To understand individual grief behaviors Signup and view all the answers

What should nurses do to help grieving families with a stillborn newborn's appearance?

Wrap the newborn in a blanket and allow unwrapping by parents Signup and view all the answers

Why should nursing units use a visual code on a mother's door when dealing with grieving families?

To alert other departments about a grieving family's presence Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential for nursing units to provide information about grief coping mechanisms to parents?

To support parents in managing their grief effectively Signup and view all the answers

What data are required in a family care plan according to Nursing Care Plan 9.2?

The comprehensive care plan for the entire family Signup and view all the answers

How can abundant vernix affect the position of a newborn's ear?

Stick the ear in place Signup and view all the answers

What is a normal characteristic of breast tissue in term newborns?

Palpable mass of tissue less than 5 mm Signup and view all the answers

In term male newborns, what is the texture of the scrotum?

Pendulous and covered with rugae Signup and view all the answers

For female term newborns, how do the labia majora and labia minora compare?

Labia majora cover the labia minora Signup and view all the answers

Where are the sole creases located in term or postterm newborns?

Over the entire foot Signup and view all the answers

How is the respiratory rate assessed in newborn infants?

By counting breaths for 1 full minute Signup and view all the answers

What is a normal heart rate range for newborn infants?

110 to 160 beats/min Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common method used to measure a newborn's body temperature?

Axillary thermometer Signup and view all the answers

How is a newborn's blood pressure typically measured?

With an electronic instrument Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential sign of coarctation of the aorta when assessing a newborn?

Differences in blood pressure between arms and legs Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of giving sponge baths to newborns in hospitals?

To ensure a clean and hygienic environment Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a newborn urinates in the birthing room?

Inform the staff nurse and document the voiding Signup and view all the answers

Why are identification bands used for newborns?

To prevent abduction and ensure security Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of checking that all numbers on identification bands are identical?

To prevent security breaches and infant abductions Signup and view all the answers

Why should newborn identification bands be applied relatively snugly?

Because newborns lose weight after birth Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic sign that a newborn may be postterm or had poor placental support?

'Greenish vernix' after birth Signup and view all the answers

Why is it recommended not to leave a newborn alone in a hospital room?

To reduce the risk of aspiration if mucus needs suctioning Signup and view all the answers

How can parents recognize authorized personnel in a hospital setting?

By their distinctive uniforms Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for parents to recognize authorized employees in a hospital setting?

To refuse to release their newborn to unauthorized individuals Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of embedded microchips in some identification bands?

To alert staff if the newborn is removed from the hospital unit Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical range for systolic blood pressure in term newborns?

65-95 mm Hg Signup and view all the answers

How is the weight of a newborn usually measured?

Using a digital scale Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to measure the chest circumference of a newborn?

To assess gestational age Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended practice for cord care to prevent infection?

Keeping the cord clean and dry Signup and view all the answers

What is a sign that the cord clamp might be loose in a newborn?

Redness of the umbilical area Signup and view all the answers

Why is delayed cord clamping beneficial for newborns?

To increase iron stores Signup and view all the answers

Which is a typical sign that the umbilical cord stump is drying properly?

Dry and blackened appearance Signup and view all the answers

How is length often measured in newborns?

From head to heel using a tape measure Signup and view all the answers

What is a typical characteristic of a normal umbilical cord?

It has two arteries and one vein. Signup and view all the answers

What should parents be instructed to report regarding umbilical cord care?

Any changes in color of the cord. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key reason why some parents may have difficulty forming attachments with their newborns?

Lack of social support Signup and view all the answers

Which behavior should a nurse observe to assess the involvement of siblings and grandparents with the newborn?

Amount of eye-to-eye contact Signup and view all the answers

What can the nurse do to facilitate parent-newborn attachment for adolescent mothers?

Hold the newborn en face Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for the nurse to discuss expected newborn behaviors with parents?

To point out unique characteristics Signup and view all the answers

Which behavior may indicate a need for additional interventions by the nurse during parent-newborn interactions?

Avoidance of eye contact with the newborn Signup and view all the answers

What should the nurse do if the newborn is breastfed?

Assess feeding and elimination patterns Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal blood glucose level range for healthy newborns by 3 hours of age?

50-80 mg/dL Signup and view all the answers

What is considered hypoglycemia in newborns 2 hours after birth?

Below 45 mg/dL Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following newborns are at risk for low blood glucose after birth?

Newborns born to diabetic mothers Signup and view all the answers

What are some signs of hypoglycemia in newborns?

Poor muscle tone Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to avoid the center of the heel during a heel stick procedure in newborns?

To avoid damaging nerve endings Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a panel of more than 31 tests undertaken in newborn screening?

To identify abnormalities that may cause disabilities Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between bonding and attachment in relation to a newborn?

Attachment is formed through time Signup and view all the answers

Why is it recommended for both partners to view, hold, and touch the newborn soon after birth?

To begin the process of bonding and attachment Signup and view all the answers