Chapter 31: The Infant and Family EAQ Questions

2. In terms of gross motor development, what would the nurse educate the parents to expect a 5-month-old infant to do? (Select all that apply.) a. Roll from abdomen to back. b. Put feet in mouth when supine. c. Roll from back to abdomen. d. Sit erect without support. e. Move from prone to sitting position.

ANS: A, B Rolling from abdomen to back and placing the feet in the mouth when supine are developmentally appropriate for a 5-month-old infant. Rolling from back to abdomen is developmentally appropriate for a 6-month-old infant. An 8-month-old infant should be able to sit erect without support. A 10-month-old infant can usually move from a prone to a sitting position.

17. Which is an appropriate play activity for a 7-month-old infant to encourage visual stimulation? a. Playing peek-a-boo. b. Playing pat-a-cake. c. Imitating animal sounds. d. Showing how to clap hands.

ANS: A Because object permanence is a new achievement, peek-a-boo is an excellent activity to practice this new skill for visual stimulation. Playing pat-a-cake and showing how to clap hands will help with kinesthetic stimulation. Imitating animal sounds will help with auditory stimulation.

3. The nurse is doing a routine assessment on a 14-month-old infant and notes that the anterior fontanel is closed. This should be interpreted as: a. a normal finding. b. a questionable finding—the infant should be rechecked in 1 month. c. an abnormal finding—indicates the need for immediate referral to a practitioner. d. an abnormal finding—indicates the need for developmental assessment.

ANS: A Because the anterior fontanel normally closes between ages 12 and 18 months, this is a normal finding, and no further intervention is required.

14. The nurse is interviewing the father of 10-month-old. When the child, playing on the floor and notices an electrical outlet and reaches up to touch it, the father says "No" firmly and removes the child away from the outlet. The nurse should use this opportunity to teach the father that the child is capable of understanding what association? a. Understand the word "No." b. Father always means "No." c. Electrical outlets are dangerous. d. Spanking as a deterrent.

ANS: A By age 10 months, children are able to associate meaning with words. The child should be old enough to understand the word "No." The 10-month-old is too young to understand the purpose of an electrical outlet and is not likely to always associate her father with the word "No." The father is using both verbal and physical cues to teach safety measures and alert the child to dangerous situations. Physical discipline should be avoided.

7. The nurse determines an infant of 7 months is demonstrating appropriate fine motor development when performing which action? a. Transferring a rattler from one hand to the other. b. Using thumb and index finger to grasp a piece of food. c. Holding a crayon and make a mark on paper. d. Releasing cubes into a cup.

ANS: A By age 7 months, infants can transfer objects from one hand to the other, crossing the midline. The crude pincer grasp is apparent at about age 9 months. The infant can scribble spontaneously at age 15 months. At age 12 months, the infant can release cubes into a cup.

15. Sara, age 4 months, was born at 35 weeks' gestation. She seems to be developing normally, but her parents are concerned because she is a "more difficult" baby than their other child, who was term. The nurse should explain that: a. infants' temperaments are part of their unique characteristics. b. infants become less difficult if they are not kept on scheduled feedings and structured routines. c. Sara's behavior is suggestive of failure to bond completely with her parents. d. Sara's difficult temperament is the result of painful experiences in the neonatal period.

ANS: A Infant temperament has a strong biologic component. Together with interactions with the environment, primarily the family, the biologic component contributes to the infant's unique temperament. Children perceived as difficult may respond better to scheduled feedings and structured caregiving routines than to demand feedings and frequent changes in routines. Sara's temperament has been created by both biologic and environmental factors. The nurse should provide guidance in parenting techniques that are best suited to Sara's temperament.

23. The parents of a 4-month-old infant tell the nurse that they are getting a microwave oven and will be able to heat the baby's formula faster. What recommendations should the nurse provide the parents? a. Never heat a bottle in a microwave oven. b. Heat only 10 ounces or more. c. Always leave the bottle top uncovered to allow heat to escape. d. Shake the bottle vigorously for at least 30 seconds after heating.

ANS: A Neither infant formula nor breast milk should be warmed in a microwave oven as this may cause oral burns as a result of uneven heating in the container. The bottle may remain cool while hot spots develop in the milk. Warming expressed milk in a microwave decreases the availability of antiinfective properties and causes separation of the fat content. Milk should be warmed in a lukewarm water bath. None of the other options adequately deals with the issue of overheating.

30. Which clinical manifestations should cause the nurse to suspect that a child, diagnosed with a digestive disorder, may be demonstrating signs of failure to thrive? a. Avoidance of eye contact. b. An associated malabsorption defect. c. Weight that falls below the 15th percentile. d. Normal achievement of developmental landmarks.

ANS: A One of the clinical manifestations of nonorganic failure to thrive is the child's avoidance of eye contact with the health professional. A malabsorption defect would result in a physiologic problem, not behavioral. Weight (but not height) below the 5th percentile is indicative of failure to thrive. Developmental delays, including social, motor, adaptive, and language, exist.

33. With the goal of preventing plagiocephaly, the nurse should teach new parents to consider which intervention? a. Place the infant prone for 30 to 60 minutes per day. b. Buy a soft mattress. c. Allow the infant to nap in the car safety seat. d. Have the infant sleep with the parents.

ANS: A Prevention of positional plagiocephaly may begin shortly after birth by implementing prone positioning or "tummy time" for approximately 30 to 60 minutes per day when the infant is awake. Soft mattresses or sleeping with parents (co-sleeping) are not recommended because they put the infant at a higher risk for a sudden infant death incident. To prevent plagiocephaly, prolonged placement in car safety seats should be avoided.

8. In terms of gross motor development, what hallmark action should the nurse identify for the parents of a 5-month-old infant to anticipate? a. Roll from abdomen to back. b. Roll from back to abdomen. c. Sit erect without support. d. Move from prone to sitting position.

ANS: A Rolling from abdomen to back is developmentally appropriate for a 5-month-old infant. The ability to roll from back to abdomen usually occurs at 6 months old. Sitting erect without support is a developmental milestone usually achieved by 8 months. The 10-month-old infant can usually move from a prone to a sitting position.

16. Which information could be given to the parents of a 12-month-old child regarding appropriate play activities for this age? a. Give large push-pull toys for kinesthetic stimulation. b. Place cradle gym across crib to facilitate fine motor skills. c. Provide child with finger paints to enhance fine motor skills. d. Provide stick horse to develop gross motor coordination.

ANS: A The 12-month-old child is able to pull to a stand and walk holding on or independently. Appropriate toys for a child of this age include large push-pull toys for kinesthetic stimulation. A cradle gym should not be placed across the crib. Finger paints are appropriate for older children. A 12-month-old child does not have the stability to use a stick horse.

4. By what age does the posterior fontanel usually close? a. 6 to 8 weeks b. 10 to 12 weeks c. 4 to 6 months d. 8 to 10 months

ANS: A The bones surrounding the posterior fontanel fuse and close by age 6 to 8 weeks. Ten weeks or longer is too late and indicates a problem.

31. Which consideration should be considered when planning care for an infant diagnosed with failure to thrive? a. Establishing a structured routine and follow it consistently. b. Maintaining a nondistracting environment by not speaking to the infant during feeding. c. Placing the infant in an infant seat during feedings to prevent overstimulation. d. Limiting sensory stimulation and play activities to alleviate fatigue.

ANS: A The infant with failure to thrive should have a structured routine that is followed consistently. Disruptions in other activities of daily living can have a great impact on feeding behaviors. Bathing, sleeping, dressing, playing, and feeding are structured. The nurse should talk to the infant by giving directions about eating. This will help the infant maintain focus. Young children should be held while being fed, and older children can sit at a feeding table. The infant should be fed in the same manner at each meal. The infant can engage in sensory and play activities at times other than mealtime.

6. A 3-month-old infant, born at 38 weeks of gestation, will hold a rattle if it is put in her hands; however, she will not voluntarily grasp it. How should the nurse interpret this behavior? a. Normal development b. Significant developmental lag c. Slightly delayed development caused by prematurity d. Suggestive of a neurologic disorder such as cerebral palsy

ANS: A This indicates normal development. Reflexive grasping occurs during the first 2 to 3 months and then gradually becomes voluntary. No evidence of developmental lag, delayed development, or neurologic dysfunction is present by this behavior.

1. In teaching parents about appropriate pacifier selection, the nurse should explain that a pacifier should have which characteristics? (Select all that apply.) a. Easily grasped handle b. One-piece construction c. Ribbon or string to secure to clothing d. Soft, pliable material e. Sturdy, flexible material

ANS: A, B, E A good pacifier should be easily grasped by the infant. One-piece construction is necessary to avoid having the nipple and guard separate. The material should be sturdy and flexible. An attached ribbon or string and soft, pliable material are not characteristics of a good pacifier.

4. Which interventions should the nurse implement when caring for a family of a sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) infant? (Select all that apply.) a. Allow parents to say goodbye to their infant. b. Once parents leave the hospital, no further follow-up is required. c. Arrange for someone to take the parents home from the hospital. d. Avoid requesting an autopsy of the deceased infant. e. Conduct a debriefing session with the parents before they leave the hospital.

ANS: A, C, E An important aspect of compassionate care for parents experiencing a SIDS incident is allowing them to say good-bye to their infant. These are the parents' last moments with their infant, and they should be as quiet, meaningful, peaceful, and undisturbed as possible. Because the parents leave the hospital without their infant, it is helpful to accompany them to the car or arrange for someone else to take them home. A debriefing session may help health care workers who dealt with the family and deceased infant to cope with emotions that are often engendered when a SIDS victim is brought into the acute care facility. An autopsy may clear up possible misconceptions regarding the death. When the parents return home, a competent, qualified professional should visit them after the death as soon as possible.

18. At what age should the nurse expect an infant to begin smiling in response to pleasurable stimuli? a. 1 month b. 2 months c. 3 months d. 4 months

ANS: B At age 2 months, the infant has a social, responsive smile. A reflex smile is usually present at age 1 month. The 3-month-old can recognize familiar faces. At age 4 months, the infant can enjoy social interactions.

2. The nurse assessing a 6-month-old healthy infant who weighed 7 lbs at birth, shares with the parents that the infant should weigh approximately how many pounds? a. 10 lbs. b. 15 lbs. c. 20 lbs. d. 25 lbs.

ANS: B Birth weight doubles at about age 5 to 6 months. At 6 months, an infant who weighed 7 lbs at birth would weigh approximately 15 lbs. Ten pounds is too little; the infant would have gone from the 50th percentile at birth to below the 5th percentile. Twenty pounds or more is too much; the infant would have tripled the birth weight at 6 months.

22. When is the best age for solid food to be introduced into the infant's diet? a. 2 to 3 months b. 4 to 6 months c. When birth weight has tripled d. When tooth eruption has started

ANS: B Physiologically and developmentally, the 4 to 6 months old is in a transition period. The extrusion reflex has disappeared, and swallowing is a more coordinated process. In addition, the gastrointestinal tract has matured sufficiently to handle more complex nutrients and is less sensitive to potentially allergenic food. Infants of this age will try to help during feeding. Two to three months is too young. The extrusion reflex is strong, and the infant will push food out with the tongue. No research base indicates that the addition of solid food to bottle-feeding has any benefit. Tooth eruption can facilitate biting and chewing; most infant foods do not require this ability.

27. The clinic is lending a federally approved car seat to an infant's family. Where in the car should the nurse explain is the safest place to put the car seat? a. Front facing in back seat. b. Rear facing in back seat. c. Front facing in front seat if an air bag is on the passenger side. d. Rear facing in front seat if an air bag is on the passenger side.

ANS: B The rear-facing car seat provides the best protection for an infant's disproportionately heavy head and weak neck. Infants should face the rear from birth to 20 lbs and as close to 1 year of age as possible. The middle of the back seat provides the safest position. Severe injuries and deaths in children have occurred from air bags deploying on impact in the front passenger seat.

28. A nurse is teaching parents about prevention and treatment of colic. Which should the nurse include in the teaching plan? a. Avoid use of pacifiers. b. Eliminate all secondhand smoke contact. c. Lay infant flat after feeding. d. Avoid swaddling the infant.

ANS: B To prevent and treat colic, teach parents that if household members smoke, they should avoid smoking near the infant; smoking activity should preferably be confined to outside of the home. A pacifier can be introduced for added sucking. The infant should be swaddled tightly with a soft, stretchy blanket, and placed in an upright seat after feedings.

3. A nurse is conducting education classes for parents of infants. The nurse plans to discuss sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Which risk factors should the nurse include as increasing an infant's risk of a SIDS incident? (Select all that apply.) a. Breastfeeding b. Low Apgar scores c. Male sex d. Birth weight in the 50th or higher percentile e. Recent viral illness

ANS: B, C, E Certain groups of infants are at increased risk for SIDS: those with low birth weight, low Apgar scores, or recent viral illness, and those of male sex. Breastfed infants and infants of average or above-average weight are not at higher risk for SIDS.

13. A parent asks the nurse "At what age do most babies begin to fear strangers?" The nurse responds that most infants begin to fear strangers at what age? a. 2 months b. 4 months c. 6 months d. 12 months

ANS: C Between ages 6 and 8 months, fear of strangers and stranger anxiety become prominent and are related to the infant's ability to discriminate between familiar and nonfamiliar people. At age 2 months, the infant is just beginning to respond differentially to the mother. At age 4 months, the infant is beginning the process of separation individuation when the infant begins to recognize self and mother as separate beings. Twelve months is too late and requires referral for evaluation if the infant does not fear strangers at this age.

29. Parent guidelines for relieving colic in an infant include: a. avoiding touching the abdomen. b. avoiding using a pacifier. c. changing the infant's position frequently. d. placing the infant where the family cannot hear the crying.

ANS: C Changing the infant's position frequently may be beneficial. The parent can walk holding the infant face down and with the infant's chest across the parent's arm. The parent's hand can support the infant's abdomen, applying gentle pressure. Gently massaging the abdomen is effective in some infants. Pacifiers can be used for meeting additional sucking needs. The infant should not be placed where monitoring cannot be done. The infant can be placed in the crib and allowed to cry. Periodically, the infant should be picked up and comforted.

12. Which behavior indicates that an infant has developed object permanence? a. Recognizes familiar face such as the mother b. Recognizes familiar object such as a bottle c. Actively searches for a hidden object d. Secures objects by pulling on a string

ANS: C During the first 6 months of life, infants believe that objects exist only as long as they can see them. When infants search for an object that is out of sight, this signals the attainment of object permanence, whereby an infant knows that an object exists even when it is not visible. Between ages 8 and 12 weeks, infants begin to respond differentially to their mothers. They cry, smile, vocalize, and show distinct preference for their mothers. This preference is one of the stages that influence the attachment process, but it is too early for object permanence. Recognizing familiar objects is an important transition for the infant, but it does not signal object permanence. The ability to understand cause and effect, such as pulling on a string to secure an object, is part of secondary schema development.

24. The parent of a 2 week old asks the nurse if the infant needs fluoride supplements because they plan to exclusively breastfed. What is the nurse's best response? a. "Your infant needs to begin taking them now." b. "They are not needed if you drink fluoridated water." c. "Your infant may need to begin taking them at age 6 months." d. "Your infant can have infant cereal mixed with fluoridated water instead of supplements."

ANS: C Fluoride supplementation is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics beginning at age 6 months if the child is not drinking adequate amounts of fluoridated water. The recommendation is to begin supplementation at 6 months, not at 2 weeks. The amount of water that is ingested and the amount of fluoride in the water are evaluated when supplementation is being considered.

1. A mother tells the nurse that she is discontinuing breastfeeding her 5-month-old infant. What should the nurse recommend to be used as substitute for the breastmilk? a. Skim milk b. Whole cow's milk c. Commercial iron-fortified formula d. Commercial formula without iron

ANS: C For children younger than 1 year, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the use of breast milk. If breastfeeding has been discontinued, iron-fortified commercial formula should be used. Cow's milk should not be used in children younger than 12 months. Maternal iron stores are almost depleted by this age; the iron-fortified formula will help prevent the development of iron deficiency anemia.

1. Which statement accurately describes an event associated with an infant's physical development? a. Anterior fontanel closes by age 6 to 10 months. b. Binocularity is well established by age 8 months. c. Birth weight doubles by age 5 months and triples by age 1 year. d. Maternal iron stores persist during the first 12 months of life.

ANS: C Growth is very rapid during the first year of life. The birth weight approximately doubles by age 5 to 6 months and triples by age 1 year. The anterior fontanel closes at age 12 to 18 months. Binocularity is not established until age 15 months. Maternal iron stores are usually depleted by age 6 months.

11. According to Piaget, the 6-month-old infant would be in what stage of the sensorimotor phase? a. Use of reflexes b. Primary circular reactions c. Secondary circular reactions d. Coordination of secondary schemata

ANS: C Infants are usually in the secondary circular reaction stage from age 4 months to 8 months. This stage is characterized by a continuation of the primary circular reaction for the response that results. For example, shaking of a rattle is performed to hear the noise of the rattle, not just for shaking. The use of reflexes is primarily during the first month of life. The primary circular reaction stage marks the replacement of reflexes with voluntary acts. The infant is in this stage from age 1 month to 4 months. The fourth sensorimotor stage is coordination of secondary schemata. This is a transitional stage in which increasing motor skills enable greater exploration of the environment.

10. By what age should the nurse expect that an infant will be able to pull to a standing position? a. 6 months b. 8 months c. 9 months d. 11 to 12 months

ANS: C Most infants can pull themselves to a standing position at age 9 months. Any infant who cannot pull to a standing position by age 11 to 12 months should be referred for further evaluation for developmental dysplasia of the hips (DDH). At 6 months, the infant has just obtained coordination of arms and legs. By age 8 months, infants can bear full weight on their legs.

9. At which age can most infants sit steadily unsupported? a. 4 months b. 6 months c. 8 months d. 10 months

ANS: C Sitting erect without support is a developmental milestone usually achieved by 8 months. At age 4 months, an infant can sit with support. At age 6 months, the infant will maintain a sitting position if propped. By 10 months, the infant can maneuver from a prone to a sitting position.

19. The mother of a breastfed infant being seen in the clinic for the sixth month checkup is concerned that the infant has begun thumb sucking. How should the nurse respond to the mother's concern? a. Recommend that the mother substitute a pacifier for the infant's thumb. b. Assess the infant for other signs of sensory deprivation. c. Reassure the mother that this behavior is very normal at this age. d. Suggest that the mother breastfeed more often to satisfy sucking needs.

ANS: C Sucking is an infant's chief pleasure, and she may not be satisfied by bottle-feeding or breastfeeding alone. During infancy and early childhood, there is no need to restrict nonnutritive sucking. Dental damage does not appear to occur unless the use of the pacifier or finger persists after age 4 to 6 years. The nurse should explore with the mother her feelings about pacifier versus thumb. This is a normal behavior to meet nonnutritive sucking needs. No data support that Latasha has sensory deprivation.

35. The nurse should teach parents that at what age it is safe to give infants whole milk instead of commercial infant formula? a. 6 months b. 9 months c. 12 months d. 18 months

ANS: C The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend the use of cow's milk for children younger than 12 months. At 6 and 9 months, the infant should be receiving commercial infant formula or breast milk. At age 18 months, milk and formula are supplemented with solid foods, water, and some fruit juices.

32. What is an important nursing responsibility when dealing with a family experiencing the loss of an infant from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)? a. Explain how SIDS could have been predicted and prevented. b. Interview parents in depth concerning the circumstances surrounding the infant's death. c. Discourage parents from making a last visit with the infant. d. Make a follow-up home visit to parents as soon as possible after the infant's death.

ANS: D A competent, qualified professional should visit the family at home as soon as possible after the death and provide the family with printed information about SIDS. An explanation of how SIDS could have been predicted and prevented is inappropriate. SIDS cannot be prevented or predicted. Discussions about the cause will only increase parental guilt. The parents should be asked only factual questions to determine the cause of death. Parents should be allowed and encouraged to make a last visit with their infant.

26. The parents of a 12-month-old child ask the nurse if the child can eat hot dogs. The nurse's reply should be based on what understanding? a. The child is too young to digest hot dogs. b. The child is too young to eat hot dogs safely. c. Hot dogs must be sliced into sections to prevent aspiration. d. Hot dogs must be cut into small, irregular pieces to prevent aspiration.

ANS: D Hot dogs are of a consistency, diameter, and round shape that may cause complete obstruction of the child's airway. If given to young children, the hot dog should be cut into small irregular pieces rather than served whole or in slices. The child's digestive system is mature enough to digest hot dogs. To eat the hot dog safely, the child should be sitting down, and the hot dog should be appropriately cut into irregularly shaped pieces.

25. A mother tells the nurse that she does not want her infant immunized because of the discomfort associated with injections. The nurse should explain that: a. this cannot be prevented. b. infants do not feel pain as adults do. c. this is not a good reason for refusing immunizations. d. a topical anesthetic, eutectic mixture of local anesthetic (EMLA), will minimize the discomfort.

ANS: D Several topical anesthetic agents can be used to minimize the discomfort associated with immunization injections. These include EMLA and vapor coolant sprays. Pain associated with many procedures can be prevented or minimized by using the principles of atraumatic care. With preparation, the injection site can be properly anesthetized to decrease the amount of pain felt by the infant. Infants have the neural pathways to sense pain. Numerous research studies have indicated that infants perceive and react to pain in the same manner as do children and adults. The mother should be allowed to discuss her concerns and the alternatives available. This is part of the informed consent process.

36. A parent asks the nurse whether her infant is susceptible to pertussis. The nurse's response should be based on which statement concerning susceptibility to pertussis? a. Neonates will be immune the first few months. b. If the mother has had the disease, the infant will receive passive immunity. c. Children younger than 1 year seldom contract this disease. d. Most children are highly susceptible from birth.

ANS: D The acellular pertussis vaccine is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics beginning at age 6 weeks. Infants are at greater risk for complications of pertussis. The vaccine is not given after age 7 years, when the risks of the vaccine become greater than those of pertussis. The infant is highly susceptible to pertussis, which can be a life-threatening illness in this age-group.

5. The parents of a 9-month-old infant tell the nurse that they have noticed foods such as peas and corn are not completely digested and can be seen in their infant's stool. The nurse bases her explanation on what fact? a. Children should not be given fibrous foods until the digestive tract matures at age 4 years. b. The infant should not be given any solid foods until this digestive problem is resolved. c. This is abnormal and requires further investigation. d. This is normal because of the immaturity of digestive processes at this age.

ANS: D The immaturity of the digestive tract is evident in the appearance of the stools. Solid foods are passed incompletely broken down in the feces but it is not necessity to eliminate solid foods. An excess quantity of fiber predisposes the child to large, bulky stools. This is a normal part of the maturational process, and no further investigation is necessary.

34. The parents of a 3-month-old infant report that their infant sleeps supine (face up) but is often prone (face down) while awake. The nurse's response should be based on what knowledge? a. Unacceptable because of the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). b. Unacceptable because it does not encourage achievement of developmental milestones. c. Unacceptable to encourage fine motor development. d. Acceptable to encourage head control and turning over.

ANS: D These parents are implementing the guidelines to reduce the risk of SIDS. Infants should sleep on their backs and then be placed on their abdomens when awake to enhance development of milestones such as head control. The face-down position while awake and positioning on the back for sleep are acceptable because they reduce risk of SIDS and allow achievement of developmental milestones. These position changes encourage gross motor, not fine motor development.

20. How should the nurse describe the fact that a 6 month old has 6 teeth? a. Normal tooth eruption. b. Delayed tooth eruption. c. Unusual and dangerous. d. Earlier-than-normal tooth eruption.

ANS: D This is earlier than expected. Most infants at age 6 months have two teeth, the lower central incisors. Six teeth at 6 months is not delayed; it is early tooth eruption. Although unusual, it is not dangerous.