Ch 9 Wong: Infant & Family Health Promotion

An infant weighed 8 lb at birth and was 18 inches in length. What weight and length should the infant be at 5 months of age? a. 12 lb, 20 inches b. 14 lb, 21.5 inches c. 16 lb, 23 inches d. 18 lb, 24.5 inches

ANS: C Infants gain 680 g (1.5 lb) per month until age 5 months, when the birth weight has at least doubled. Height increases by 2.5 cm (1 inch) per month during the first 6 months. Therefore, at 5 months the infant should weigh 16 lb and be 23 inches in length.

Place in order the expected sequence of fine motor developmental milestones for an infant beginning with the first milestone achieved and ending with the last milestone achieved. Provide answer using lowercase letters separated by commas (e.g., a, b, c, d, e). a. Voluntary palmar grasp b. Reflex palmar grasp c. Puts objects into a container d. Neat pincer grasp e. Builds a tower of two blocks, but fails

ANS: b, a, d, c, e Grasping occurs during the first 2 to 3 months as a reflex and gradually becomes voluntary. By 5 months, infants are able to voluntarily grasp objects. Gradually, the palmar grasp (using the whole hand) is replaced by a pincer grasp (using the thumb and index finger). By 8 to 10 months of age, infants use a crude pincer grasp, and by 11 months, they have progressed to a neat pincer grasp. By 11 months, they put objects into containers and like to remove them. By age 1 year, infants try to build towers of two blocks but fail.

In teaching parents about appropriate pacifier selection, the nurse should recommend which characteristic? a. Easily grasped handle b. Detachable shield for cleaning c. Soft, pliable material d. Ribbon or string to secure to clothing

ANS: A A good pacifier should be easily grasped by the infant. One-piece construction is necessary to avoid having the nipple and guard separate, posing a risk for aspiration. The material should be sturdy and flexible. If the pacifier is too pliable, it may be aspirated. No ribbon or string should be attached. This poses additional risks.

The nurse is guiding parents in selecting a daycare facility for their infant. Which is especially important to consider when making the selection? a. Health practices of facility b. Structured learning environment c. Socioeconomic status of children d. Cultural similarities of children

ANS: A Health practices should be most important. With the need for diaper changes and assistance with feeding, young children are at increased risk when hand washing and other hygienic measures are not adhered to. A structured learning environment is not suitable for this age child. The socioeconomic status of children should have little effect on the choice of facility. Cultural similarities of children may be important to the families, but the health care practices of the facility are more important.

A breastfed infant is being seen in the clinic for a 6-month checkup. The mother tells the nurse that the infant recently began to suck her thumb. Which is the best nursing intervention? a. Reassure the mother that this is normal at this age. b. Recommend the mother substitute a pacifier for her thumb. c. Assess the infant for other signs of sensory deprivation. d. Suggest the mother breastfeed the infant more often to satisfy her sucking needs.

ANS: A Sucking is an infants chief pleasure, and the infant may not be satisfied by bottle-feeding or breastfeeding alone. During infancy and early childhood, there is no need to restrict nonnutritive sucking. The nurse should explore with the mother her feelings about a pacifier versus the thumb. No data support that the child has sensory deprivation.

The nurse notices that a 10-month-old infant being seen in the clinic is wearing expensive, inflexible, high-top shoes. The nurse should explain that: a. soft and flexible shoes are generally better. b. high-top shoes are necessary for support. c. inflexible shoes are necessary to prevent in-toeing and out-toeing. d. this type of shoe will encourage the infant to walk sooner.

ANS: A The main purpose of the shoe is protection. Soft, well-constructed, athletic-type shoes are best for infants and children. High-top shoes are not necessary for support but may help to keep the child's foot in the shoe. Inflexible shoes can delay walking and can aggravate in-toeing and out-toeing and impede development of the supportive foot muscles.

In terms of gross motor development, which should the nurse 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. f. Adjust posture to reach an object.

ANS: A, B Rolling from abdomen and to back and placing the feet in the mouth when supine are 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. The 8-month-old infant adjusts posture to reach an object.

Which herbal therapies are associated with increased milk production? Select all that apply. A. Blessed thistle B. Fennel C. St. John's Wort D Fenugreek E. Echinacea

ANS: A, B, D These herbal preparations are known as galactgogoues and are thought to increase milk production. St. John's Wort and echinacea are not reported to increase milk production.

The nurse is planning play activities for a 2-month-old hospitalized infant to stimulate the auditory sense. Which activities should the nurse implement? (Select all that apply.) a. Talk to the infant. b. Play a music box. c. Place a squeaky doll in the crib. d. Give the infant a small-handled clear rattle.

ANS: A, B, D Auditory stimulation appropriate for a 2-month-old infant includes talking to the infant, playing a music box, and giving the infant a small-handled clear rattle. Placing a squeaky doll in the crib is appropriate for an infant 6 months of age or older.

The nurse is teaching parents about appropriate pacifier selection. Which characteristics should the pacifier have? (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. If the pacifier is too pliable, it may be aspirated. No ribbon or string should be attached. This poses additional risks.

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.

The nurse is discussing development and play activities with the parent of a 2-month-old. Recommendations should include giving a first rattle at about which age? a. 2 months b. 4 months c. 7 months d. 9 months

ANS: B It is recommended that a brightly colored toy or rattle be given to the child at age 4 months. Grasping has begun as a deliberate act, and the infant grasps, holds, and begins shaking to hear a noise; 2 months is too young. The infant still has primarily reflex grips; 7 to 9 months is too old for the first rattle. The child should be given toys that provide for further exploration.

The parents of a 2-month-old boy are concerned about spoiling their son by picking him up when he cries. What is the nurses best response? a. Allow him to cry for no longer than 15 minutes and then pick him up. b. Babies need comforting and cuddling. Meeting these needs will not spoil him. c. Babies this young cry when they are hungry. Try feeding him when he cries. d. If he isnt soiled or wet, leave him, and hell cry himself to sleep.

ANS: B Parents need to learn that a spoiled child is a response to inconsistent discipline and limit setting. It is important to meet the infants developmental needs, including comforting and cuddling. The data suggest that responding to a childs crying can actually decrease the overall crying time. Allowing him to cry for no longer than 15 minutes and then picking him up will reinforce prolonged crying. Infants at this age have other needs besides feeding. The parents should be taught to identify their infants cues. Counseling parents on letting the baby cry himself to sleep when not soiled or wet refers to sleep issues, not general infant behavior.

The mother of a 6-month-old infant has returned to work and is expressing breast milk to be frozen. She asks for directions on how to safely thaw the breast milk in the microwave. What should the nurse recommend? a. Heat only 10 oz or more. b. Do not thaw or heat breast milk in a microwave oven. 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: B Using a microwave oven to thaw or heat breast milk decreases the anti-infective properties of the breast milk, lowers the vitamin C content, and changes the fat content. Breast milk should be thawed overnight in a refrigerator or in a warm water bath. A microwave should not be used. If steam is created, the milk is too hot. The bottle should be inverted several times after defrosting or warming.

The nurse is performing an assessment on a 12-month-old infant. Which fine or gross motor developmental skill demonstrates the proximodistal acquisition of skills? a. Standing b. Sitting without assistance c. Fully developed pincer grasp d. Taking a few steps holding onto something

ANS: C Acquisition of fine and gross motor skills occurs in an orderly center-to-periphery (proximodistal) or head-to-toe (cephalocaudal) sequence. A fully developed pincer grasp is an example of the proximodistal development because infants use a palmar grasp before developing the finer pincer grasp. Standing, sitting without assistance, and taking a few steps are examples of a cephalocaudal development sequence.

At a well-child visit, parents ask the nurse how to know if a daycare facility is a good choice for their infant. Which observation should the nurse stress as especially important to consider when making the selection? a. Developmentally appropriate toys b. Nutritious snacks served to the children c. Handwashing by providers after diaper changes d. Certified caregivers for each of the age groups at the facility

ANS: C Health practices should be most important. With the need for diaper changes and assistance with feeding, young children are at increased risk when handwashing and other hygienic measures are not consistently used. Developmentally appropriate toys are important, but hygiene and the prevention of disease transmission take precedence. An infant should not have snacks. This is a concern for an older child. Certified caregivers for each age group may be an indicator of a high-quality facility, but parental observation of good hygiene is a better predictor of care.

By which age should the nurse expect an infant to be able to pull to a standing position? a. 6 months b. 8 months c. 11 to 12 months d. 14 to 15 months

ANS: C Most infants can pull themselves to a standing position at age 9 months. Infants who are not able to pull themselves to standing by age 11 to 12 months should be further evaluated for developmental dysplasia of the hip. At 6 months, infants have just obtained coordination of arms and legs. By age 8 months, infants can bear full weight on their legs. Any infant who cannot pull to a standing position by age 1 year should be referred for further evaluation.

8. At what 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.

The nurse should teach parents that which age 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.

At what age does an infant start to recognize familiar faces and objects, such as a feeding bottle? a. 1 month b. 2 months c. 3 months d. 4 months

ANS: C The child can recognize familiar objects at approximately age 3 months. For the first 2 months of life, infants watch and observe their surroundings. The 4-month-old infant is able to anticipate feeding after seeing the bottle.

The nurse is providing anticipatory guidance to parents of a 6-month-old on preventing an accidental poisoning injury. Which should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select all that apply.) a. Place plants on the floor. b. Place medications in a cupboard. c. Discard used containers of poisonous substances. d. Keep cosmetic and personal products out of the childs reach. e. Make sure that paint for furniture or toys does not contain lead.

ANS: C, D, E Anticipatory guidance for a 7-month-old infant to prevent a suffocation injury takes into account that the infant will become more active and eventually crawl, cruise, and walk. Used containers of poisonous substances should be discarded, cosmetic and personal products should be kept out of the childs reach, and paint for furniture or toys should be lead free. Plants should be hung out of reach or placed on a high shelf. Medications should be locked, not just placed in a cupboard.

The parents of a 12-month-old child ask the nurse whether the child can eat hot dogs. The nurse's reply should be based on which statement? a. Child is too young to digest hot dogs. b. 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.

At an 8-month-old well-baby visit, the parent tells the nurse that her infant falls asleep at night during the last bottle feeding but wakes up when moved to the infants crib. What is the most appropriate response for the nurse to make? a. You should put your baby to sleep 1 hour earlier without the nighttime feeding but with a pacifier for soothing. b. You could place rice cereal in the last bottle feeding of the day to ensure a longer sleep pattern. c. You should have your partner give the last bottle of the day and observe whether your infant stays awake for your partner. d. You could increase daytime feeding intervals to every 4 hours and put your baby in the crib while the baby is still awake.

ANS: D Increasing the daytime intervals to 4 hours and placing the baby in the crib while still awake are interventions for nighttime sleeping problems. Putting the baby to bed 1 hour earlier with a pacifier will not stop the need for the bedtime bottle; there is no research that rice cereal in the bottle helps to satisfy the baby longer at night, and switching partners does not guarantee that the baby will go to sleep better.

Which recommendation would a nurse make to new parents who are planning to introduce solid foods to their 6-month-old son? A. Cream of wheat cereal B. Cream of farina cereal C. Cereals fortified with iron D. Rice cereal

ANS: D Rice cereal is recommended as it is easily digestible. The other options may contain additional ingredients such as iron as well as complex grains making it harder to digest.

Austin, age 6 months, has six teeth. How should the nurse interpret this finding? a. Normal tooth eruption b. Delayed tooth eruption c. Unusual and dangerous d. Earlier-than-normal tooth eruption

ANS: D Six months is earlier than expected. Most infants at age 6 months have two teeth. Although unusual, it is not dangerous.

A nurse is conducting a well baby visit with a 4 mo old infant. Which of the following immunizations should the nurse plan to administer to the infant? (Select all that apply). a. measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) b. Polio (IPV) c. Pneumococcal vaccine (PCV) d. Varicella e. rotavirus vaccine (RV)

answer: B, C, E MMR: 12-15 months varicella: minimum of 12 months

A nurse is providing education about introducing new foods to the parents of a 4-month-old infant. The nurse should recommend that the parents introduce which of the following foods first? a. strained yellow vegatables b. Iron-fortified cereals c. pureed fruits d. whole milk

Answer: B Initially want iron-rich content, foods introduced after are variable.

An infant, age 5 months, is brought to the clinic by his parents for a well-baby checkup. What is the best advice that the nurse should include at this time about injury prevention? a. Keep buttons, beads, and other small objects out of his reach. b. Do not permit him to chew paint from window ledges because he might absorb too much lead. c. When he learns to roll over, you must supervise him whenever he is on a surface from which he might fall. d. Lock the crib sides securely because he may stand and lean against them and fall out of bed.

ANS: A Aspiration of foreign objects is a great risk at this age. Parents are instructed to keep small objects out of the infants reach. At this age, the child is not mobile enough to reach window sills. If window sills have cracked or chipped paint, it needs to be removed before he is a toddler. This child should already be rolling over. This information is reinforced but should have been taught earlier. Pulling to a stand occurs between 8 and 12 months of age.

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. Pat-a-cake and showing how to clap hands will help with kinetic stimulation. Imitating animal sounds will help with auditory stimulation.

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 should the nurse recommend? a. Never heat a bottle in a microwave oven. b. Heat only 10 ounces or more. c. Always leave bottle top uncovered to allow heat to escape. d. Shake bottle vigorously for at least 30 seconds after heating.

ANS: A Bottles cannot be heated safely in microwave ovens even if safe guidelines are followed and regardless of the amount to be heated due to uneven heating and possible burns.

In order for an infant/child to formulate an attachment with another human being, they must Select all that apply. A. discriminate self between individuals. B. understand moral principles of right versus wrong. C. achieve object permanence. D. understand principles of time. E. recognize themselves in the mirror.

ANS: A, C In order to form attachments, the infant/child must be able to discriminate themselves from others as separate human beings. They also must understand the concept of object permanence. Attachment is not based on understanding of moral principles, time or self-recognition of their image in a mirror.

The nurse is providing anticipatory guidance to parents of an 8-month-old infant on preventing a drowning injury. Which should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select all that apply.) a. Fence swimming pools. b. Keep bathroom doors open. c. Eliminate unnecessary pools of water. d. Keep one hand on the child while in the tub. e. Supervise the child when near any source of water.

ANS: A, C, D, E Anticipatory guidance to prevent drowning for an 8-month-old infant takes into account that the child will begin to crawl, cruise around furniture, walk, and climb. Fences should be placed around swimming pools, unnecessary pools of water should be eliminated, one hand should be kept on the child when bathing, and the child should be supervised when near any source of water. The bathroom doors should be kept closed.

Infants in the first few days of life are expected to have a weight loss between 5 and 10% based on the following principles Select all that apply. A. increased renal tubular function. B. enlargement of ECF compartment. C. increased glomerular filtration rate. D. shivering thermogenesis. E. decrease in percentage of body water.

ANS: A, C, E Expected weight loss in the first few days of life is associated with contraction of ECF compartment resulting in decrease in percentage of body water, increased tubular function and increased glomerular filtration rate. Shivering thermogenesis is the mechanism whereby the infant seeks to maintain body temperature.

Which information should the nurse give a mother regarding the introduction of solid foods during infancy? a. Solid foods should not be introduced until 8 to 10 months, when the extrusion reflex begins to disappear. b. Foods should be introduced one at a time, at intervals of 4 to 7 days. c. Solid foods can be mixed in a bottle to make the transition easier for the infant. d. Fruits and vegetables should be introduced into the diet first.

ANS: B One food item is introduced at intervals of 4 to 7 days to allow the identification of food allergies. Solid foods can be introduced earlier than 8 to 10 months. The extrusion reflex usually disappears by age 6 months. Mixing solid foods in a bottle has no effect on the transition to solid food. Iron-fortified cereal should be the first solid food introduced into the infant's diet.

What 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 4-6 month-old infant 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; 2 to 3 months is too young. The extrusion reflex is strong, and the child will push food out with the tongue. Infant birth weight triples at 1 year. Solid foods can be started earlier. Tooth eruption can facilitate biting and chewing; most infant foods do not require this ability.

During the 2-month well-child checkup, the nurse expects the infant to respond to sound in which manner? a. Respond to name. b. React to loud noise with Moro reflex. c. Turn his or her head to side when sound is at ear level. d. Locate sound by turning his or her head in a curving arc.

ANS: C At 2 months of age, an infant should turn his or her head to the side when a noise is made at ear level. At birth, infants respond to sound with a startle or Moro reflex. An infant responds to his or her name and locates sounds by turning his or her head in a curving arc at age 6 to 9 months.

The parent of a 2-week-old infant, exclusively breastfed, asks the nurse if fluoride supplements are needed. What is the nurse's best response? a. "She needs to begin taking them now." b. "They are not needed if you drink fluoridated water." c. "She may need to begin taking them at age 4 months." d. "She 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 4 months if the child is not drinking adequate amounts of fluoridated water. The amount of water that is ingested and the amount of fluoride in the water are taken into account when supplementation is being considered.

According to Piaget, the 6-month-old infant should be in which developmental stage? 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 ages 4 to 8 months. This stage is characterized by a continuation of the primary circular reaction for the response that results. Shaking 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. Primary circular reaction stage marks the replacement of reflexes with voluntary acts. The infant is in this stage from ages 1 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.

Which characteristic best describes the fine motor skills of an infant at age 5 months? a. Neat pincer grasp b. Strong grasp reflex c. Builds a tower of two cubes d. Able to grasp object voluntarily

ANS: D At age 5 months, the infant should be able to voluntarily grasp an object. The grasp reflex is present in the first 2 to 3 months of life. Gradually, the reflex becomes voluntary. The neat pincer grasp is not achieved until age 11 months. At age 12 months, an infant will attempt to build a tower of two cubes but will most likely be unsuccessful.

At which age does an infant start to recognize familiar faces and objects, such as his or her own hand? a. 1 month b. 2 months c. 3 months d. 4 months

ANS: C The child can recognize familiar objects at approximately age 3 months. For the first 2 months of life, infants watch and observe their surroundings. The 4-month-old infant is beginning to develop handeye coordination.

In terms of fine motor development, what should the infant of 7 months be able to do? a. Transfer objects from one hand to the other and bang cubes on a table. b. Use thumb and index finger in crude pincer grasp and release an object at will. c. Hold a crayon between the fingers and make a mark on paper. d. Release cubes into a cup and build a tower of two blocks.

ANS: A By age 7 months, infants can transfer objects from one hand to the other, crossing the midline, and bang objects on a hard surface. The crude pincer grasp is apparent at about age 9 months, and releasing an object at will is seen around 8 months. The child can scribble spontaneously at age 15 months. At age 12 months, the child can release cubes into a cup and build a small tower.

The nurse is evaluating a 7-month-old infants cognitive development. Which behaviors should the nurse anticipate evaluating? (Select all that apply.) a. Imitates sounds b. Shows interest in a mirror image c. Comprehends simple commands d. Actively searches for a hidden object e. Attracts attention by methods other than crying

ANS: A, B, E A 7-month-old infant is in the secondary circular reactions (48 months) stage of cognitive development. Behaviors in this stage include imitating sounds, showing interest in a mirror image, and attracting attention by methods other than crying. Comprehending simple commands and actively searching for a hidden object are behaviors seen in the coordination of secondary schemas (912 months).

The nurse is providing anticipatory guidance to the parents of a 1-month-old infant on preventing a suffocation injury. Which should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select all that apply.) a. Do not place pillows in the infants crib. b. Crib slats should be 4 inches or less apart. c. Keep all plastic bags stored out of the infants reach. d. Plastic over the mattress is acceptable if it is covered with a sheet. e. A pacifier should not be tied on a string around the infants neck.

ANS: A, C, E Anticipatory guidance for a 1-month-old infant to prevent a suffocation injury takes into account that the infant will have increased eyehand coordination and a voluntary grasp reflex as well as a crawling reflex that may propel the infant forward or backward. Pillows should not be placed in the infants crib, plastic bags should be kept out of reach, and a pacifier should not be tied on a string around the neck. Crib slats should be 2.4 inches apart (4 inches is too wide), and the mattress should not be covered with plastic even if a sheet is used to cover it.

The nurse is assessing a 6-month-old healthy infant who weighed 7 pounds at birth. The nurse should expect the infant to now weigh approximately how many pounds? a. 10 b. 15 c. 20 d. 25

ANS: B Birth weight doubles at about age 5 to 6 months. At 6 months, a child who weighed 7 pounds at birth would weigh approximately 15 pounds; 10 pounds is too little. The infant would have gone from the 50th percentile at birth to below the 5th percentile; 20 to 25 pounds is too much. The infant would have tripled the birth weight at 6 months.

The clinic nurse is teaching parents about physiologic anemia that occurs in infants. What statement should the nurse include about the cause of physiologic anemia? a. Maternally derived iron stores are depleted in the first 2 months. b. Fetal hemoglobin results in a shortened survival of red blood cells. c. The production of adult hemoglobin decreases in the first year of life. d. Low levels of fetal hemoglobin depress the production of erythropoietin.

ANS: B Fetal hemoglobin results in a shortened survival of red blood cells (RBCs) and thus a decreased number of RBCs. Maternally derived iron stores are present for the first 5 to 6 months results in a shortened survival of RBCs and thus a decreased number of RBCs. High levels of fetal hemoglobin depress the production of erythropoietin, a hormone released by the kidney that stimulates RBC production.

The nurse is discussing development and play activities with the parent of a 2-month-old boy. Which statement by the parent would indicate a correct understanding of the teaching? a. I can give my baby a ball of yarn to pull apart or different textured fabrics to feel. b. I can use a music box and soft mobiles as appropriate play activities for my baby. c. I should introduce a cup and spoon or pushpull toys for my baby at this age. d. I do not have to worry about appropriate play activities at this age.

ANS: B Music boxes and soft mobiles are appropriate play activities for a 2-month-old infant. A ball of yarn to pull apart or different textured fabrics are appropriate for an infant at 6 to 9 months. A cup and spoon or pushpull toys are appropriate for an older infant. Infants of all ages should be exposed to appropriate types of stimulation.

A parent asks the nurse "when will my infant start to teethe?" The nurse responds that the earliest age at which an infant begins teething with eruption of lower central incisors is _____ months. a. 4 b. 6 c. 8 d. 12

ANS: B Teething usually begins at age 6 months with the eruption of the lower central incisors; 4 months is too early for teething. By age 8 months, the infant has the upper and lower central incisors. At age 12 months, the infant has six to eight deciduous teeth.

The nurse is teaching a group of parents at a community education program about introducing solid foods to their infants. Which recommendations should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.) a. Spoon feeding should be introduced after an entire milk feeding. b. It is best to introduce a wide variety of foods during the first year. c. As solid food consumption increases, the quantity of milk should decrease. d. Introduction of low-calorie milk and food should be done by the end of the first year. e. Introduction of citrus fruits, meats, and eggs should be delayed until after 6 months of age. f. Each new food item should be introduced at 5- to 7-day intervals.

ANS: B, C, E, F Teaching related to feeding an infant solid foods should include introducing a wide variety of foods because an infant has not developed a strong food preference as seen with a toddler. As solid food consumption increases, the amount of milk consumed should decrease to less than 1 L/day to prevent overfeeding. Introduction to citrus fruits, meats, and eggs should be delayed until after 6 months of age because of the potential to cause food allergies. New foods should be introduced at 5- to 7-day intervals to evaluate for food allergies. Spoon feedings should be introduced after a small ingestion of milk, not at the end of a milk feeding, to associate the activity with pleasure. In general, low-calorie milk and food should be avoided.

In terms of gross motor development, what should the nurse expect an infant age 5 months to do? a. Sit erect without support. b. Roll from the back to the abdomen. c. Turn from the abdomen to the back. d. Move from a prone to a sitting position.

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

Which intervention is the most appropriate recommendation for relief of teething pain? a. Rub gums with aspirin to relieve inflammation. b. Apply hydrogen peroxide to gums to relieve irritation. c. Give the infant a frozen teething ring to relieve inflammation. d. Have the infant chew on a warm teething ring to encourage tooth eruption.

ANS: C Teething pain is a result of inflammation, and cold is soothing. A frozen teething ring or ice cube wrapped in a washcloth helps relieve the inflammation. Aspirin is contraindicated secondary to the risks of aspiration. Hydrogen peroxide does not have an anti-inflammatory effect. Warmth increases inflammation.

The nurse is teaching parents about expected language development for their 6-month-old infant. The nurse recognizes the parents understand the teaching if they make which statement? a. Our baby should comprehend the word no. b. Our baby knows the meaning of saying mama. c. Our baby should be able to say three to five words. d. Our baby should begin to combine syllables, such as dada.

ANS: D By 6 months, infants imitate sounds; add the consonants t, d, and w; and combine syllables (e.g., dada), but they do not ascribe meaning to the word until 10 to 11 months of age. By 9 to 10 months, they comprehend the meaning of the word no and obey simple commands accompanied by gestures. By age 1 year, they can say three to five words with meaning and may understand as many as 100 words.

The nurse is performing a developmental screening on a 10-month-old infant. Which of the following fine motor skills should the nurse expect the infant to perform? (Select all that apply). a. grasp a rattle by the handle b. try building a two-block tower c. use a crude pincer grasp d. place object into a container e. walks with one hand held

Answer: A & C rattle: 10 months two-block tower: 12 months cruse pincer grasp: 9 months objects into container: 11 months walk with hand held: 12 months

A nurse is assessing a 12-mo-old infant during a well-child visit. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider? a. Closed anterior fontanel b. eruption of six teeth c. birth weight doubled d. birth length increased by 50%

Answer: C By the age of 12 months, the infant's birthweight should have tripled. Therefore the nurse should report this finding to the provider. By the age of 12-18 months, the infant's anterior fontanel should close. By the age of 12 months, the infant should have six to eight teeth erupted. By the age of 12 months, the infant's birth length should increase by 50%.

A nurse is providing teaching about the dental care and teething to the parent of a 9-month-old infant. Which of the following statements by the parent indicates an understanding of the teaching? a. "I can give my baby a warm teething ring to relieve discomfort" b. "I should clean my baby's teeth with a cool, wet wash cloth" c. "I can give Advil for up to 5 days while my baby is teething." d. "I should place diluted juice in the bottle my baby drinks while falling asleep".

answer: B Ibuprofen (Advil) should not be used for more than 3 days. To prevent childhood caries, infants should not be given bottles while falling asleep.

Which would be the best play activity for a 6-month-old infant to provide tactile stimulation? a. Allow to splash in bath. b. Give various colored blocks. c. Play music box, tapes, or CDs. d. Use infant swing or stroller.

ANS: A The feel of the water while the infant is splashing will provide tactile stimulation. Various colored blocks would provide visual stimulation for a 4- to 6-month-old infant. Music box, tapes, and CDs provide auditory stimulation. Swings and strollers provide kinesthetic stimulation.

The nurse is doing a routine assessment on a 14-month-old infant and notes that the anterior fontanel is closed. How should the nurse interpret this finding? a. Normal finding b. Finding requiring a referral c. Abnormal finding d. Normal finding, but requires rechecking in 1 month

ANS: A This is a normal finding. The anterior fontanel closes between ages 12 and 18 months. No further intervention is required.

Which information could be given to the parents of a 12-month-old child regarding appropriate play activities? a. Give large push-pull toys for kinetic 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 standing and walk holding on or independently. Appropriate toys for a child this age include large 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.

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

ANS: A Holding a rattle but not voluntarily grasping it is indicative of normal development. Reflexive grasping occurs during the first 2 to 3 months and then gradually becomes voluntary. The infant is expected to be able to perform this task by age 3 months. If the child's age is corrected because of being 2 weeks preterm, the child is at the midpoint of the range for this developmental task and the behavior is age appropriate. No evidence of neurologic dysfunction is present.

A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant. The nurse recognizes the posterior fontanel usually closes at which age? 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; 10 to 12 weeks, 4 to 6 months, and 8 to 10 months are too late. The posterior fontanel is usually closed by age 8 weeks.

The nurse is checking reflexes on a 7-month-old infant. When the infant is suspended in a horizontal prone position, the head is raised and the legs and spine are extended. Which reflex is this? a. Landau b. Parachute c. Body righting d. Labyrinth righting

ANS: A When the infant is suspended in a horizontal prone position, the head is raised and the legs and spine are extended; this describes the Landau reflex. It appears at 6 to 8 months and persists until 12 to 24 months. The parachute reflex occurs when the infant is suspended in a horizontal prone position and suddenly thrust downward; the infant extends the hands and fingers forward as if to protect against falling. This appears at age 7 to 9 months and lasts indefinitely. Body righting occurs when turning the hips and shoulders to one side causes all other body parts to follow. It appears at 6 months of age and persists until 24 to 36 months. The labyrinth-righting reflex appears at 2 months and is strongest at 10 months. This reflex involves holding infants in the prone or supine position. They are able to raise their heads.

The clinic is lending a federally approved car seat to an infant's family. The nurse should explain that the safest place to put the car seat is: a. front facing in back seat. b. rear facing in back seat. c. front facing in front seat with air bag on 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. The middle of the back seat is the safest position for the child. The infant must be rear facing to protect the head and neck in the event of an accident. Severe injuries and deaths in children have occurred from air bags deploying on impact in the front passenger seat.

A parent asks the nurse "at what age do most infants begin to fear strangers?" The nurse should give which response? 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 unfamiliar people. At 2 months, infants are 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 child does not fear strangers at this age

A 4-month-old was born at 35 weeks of 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. What should the nurse's explanation include? 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. The infant's behavior is suggestive of failure to bond completely with her parents. d. The infant'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. The infant's temperament has been created by both biologic and environmental factors. The nurse should provide guidance in parenting techniques that are best suited to the infant's temperament.

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 stools. The nurse's explanation of this is based on which statement? a. Child should not be given fibrous foods until digestive tract matures at age 4 years. b. Child 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. An excess quantity of fiber predisposes the child to large, bulky stools. This is normal for the child and is a normal part of the maturational process; no further investigation is necessary.

The parents of a 3-month-old infant report that their infant sleeps supine (face up) but is often prone (face down) while awake. What knowledge should the nurse's response should be based? a. Unacceptable because of the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) b. Unacceptable because it does not encourage achievement of developmental milestones c. Acceptable 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 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.

The nurse is providing anticipatory guidance to parents of a 4-month-old infant on preventing an aspiration injury. What should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select all that apply.) a. Keep baby powder out of reach. b. Inspect toys for removable parts. c. Allow the infant to take a bottle to bed. d. Teething biscuits can be used for teething discomfort. e. The infant should not be fed hard candy, nuts, or foods with pits.

ANS: A, B, E Anticipatory guidance to prevent aspiration for a 4-month-old infant takes into account that the infant will begin to be more active and place objects in the mouth. Toys should be checked for removable parts; baby powder should be kept out of reach; and hard candy, nuts, and foods with pits should be avoided. The infant should not go to bed with a bottle. Teething biscuits should be used with caution because large chunks may be broken off and aspirated.

A mother tells the nurse that she is discontinuing breastfeeding her 5-month-old infant. What should the nurse recommend the infant be given? 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, then 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.

A nurse is assessing a 12-month-old infant. Which statement best describes the infant's physical development a nurse should expect to find? 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 has approximately doubled 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.

The mother of a 3-month-old breastfed infant asks about giving her baby water because it is summer and very warm. What should the nurse tell her? a. Fluids in addition to breast milk are not needed. b. Water should be given if the infant seems to nurse longer than usual. c. Clear juices are better than water to promote adequate fluid intake. d. Water once or twice a day will make up for losses resulting from environmental temperature.

ANS: A Infants who are breastfed or bottle fed do not need additional water during the first 4 months of life. Excessive intake of water can create problems such as water intoxication, hyponatremia, or failure to thrive. Juices provide empty calories for infants.

Which figure depicts an expected developmental milestone for a 7-month-old infant? a. able to bear own weight b. stand holding on to furniture at 9 months c. deliberate steps at 10 months crawling on hands and knees

ANS: A By 6 to 7 months of age, infants are able to bear all their weight on their legs with assistance. Infants can stand holding on to furniture at 9 months. While standing, the infant takes a deliberate step at 10 months. Crawling (propelling forward with the belly on the floor) progresses to creeping on hands and knees (with the belly off of the floor) by 9 months.

A nurse is teaching a parent about administration of iron supplements to a 7-month-old infant. Which should the nurse include in the teaching session? (Select all that apply.) a. Administer the iron supplement with a dropper toward the side and to the back of the mouth b. Administer the iron supplement with feedings. c. Your infant's stools may look tarry green. d. Your infant may have some diarrhea initially. e. Follow the iron supplement with 4 ounces of juice.

ANS: A, C, E Liquid iron supplements may stain the teeth; therefore, administer them with a dropper toward the back of the mouth (side). Ideally, iron supplements should be administered between meals for greater absorption. Avoid administration of liquid iron supplements with whole cow's milk or milk products because they bind free iron and prevent absorption. Educate parents that iron supplements will turn stools black or tarry green. Iron supplements may cause transient constipation, not diarrhea. In older children, follow liquid iron supplement with a citrus fruit or juice drink (no more than 3 to 4 oz).

The nurse is interviewing the father of a 10-month-old girl. The child is playing on the floor when she notices an electrical outlet and reaches up to touch it. Her father says no firmly and moves her away from the outlet. The nurse should use this opportunity to teach the father what? a. That the child should be given a time-out b. That the child is old enough to understand the word no c. That the child will learn safety issues better if she is spanked d. That the child should already know that electrical outlets are dangerous

ANS: B By age 10 months, children are able to associate meaning with words. The father is using both verbal and physical cues to alert the child to dangerous situations. A time-out is not appropriate. The child is just learning about the environment. Physical discipline should be avoided. The 10-month-old child is too young to understand the purpose of an electrical outlet.

The clinic nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant during a well-child appointment. The nurse should use which approaches to alleviate the infants stranger anxiety? (Select all that apply.) a. Talk in a loud voice. b. Meet the infant at eye level. c. Avoid sudden intrusive gestures. d. Maintain a safe distance initially. e. Pick up the infant and hold him or her closely.

ANS: B, C, D The best approaches for the nurse to alleviate the infants stranger anxiety are to talk softly; meet the infant at eye level (to appear smaller); maintain a safe distance from the infant; and avoid sudden, intrusive gestures, such as holding out the arms and smiling broadly. Talking in a loud voice and picking the infant up would increase the infants anxiety.

Which finding would be considered to be abnormal with regard to growth and development principles? Select all that apply. A. Chest circumference is equal to head circumference at the end of the first year. B. Increased height is most likely to do to size of limbs rather than torso by the end of the first year. C. Increase in weight of the brain about 1.5 times by the end of the first year. D. Growth of heart is doubled by the end of the first year. E. Primitive reflexes remain consistently within the first year of life.

ANS: B, C, E Increased height is mostly seen in the trunk as opposed to limbs. Brain weight increases up to 2.5 times in the first year of life. Primitive reflexes are replaced by voluntary purposeful movements based on neural pathways.

A nurse is teaching a parent about introduction of solid foods into an infant's diet. Which should the nurse include in the teaching session? (Select all that apply.) a. Solid food introduction can be started at 2 months of age. b. Rice cereal is introduced first. c. Begin the introduction of solid foods by mixing with formula in the bottle. d. Introduce egg white in small quantities (1 tsp) toward the end of the first year. e. Introduce one food at a time, usually at intervals of 4 to 7 days.

ANS: B, D, E Rice cereal, because of its low allergenic potential, is the first solid food introduced to an infant at 4 to 6 months of age. Introduce one food at a time, usually at intervals of 4 to 7 days, to identify food allergies. Introduce egg white in small quantities (1 tsp) toward the end of the first year to detect an allergy. Solid food introduction should be started at 4 to 6 months of age. Never introduce foods by mixing them with the formula in a bottle.

10. At which age should the nurse expect most infants to begin to say mama and dada with meaning? a. 4 months b. 6 months c. 10 months d. 14 months

ANS: C Beginning at about age 10 months, an infant is able to ascribe meaning to the words mama and dada. Four to 6 months is too young for this behavior to develop. At 14 months, the child should be able to attach meaning to these words. By age 1 year, the child can say three to five words with meaning and understand as many as 100 words.

A nurse is conducting a teaching session for parents of infants. The nurse explains that which behavior indicates that an infant has developed object permanence? a. Recognizes familiar face, such as mother b. Recognizes familiar object, such as 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 an object exists even when it is not visible. Between ages 8 and 12 weeks, infants begin to respond differentially to the mother. They cry, smile, vocalize, and show distinct preference for the mother. This preference is one of the stages that influences the attachment process but 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 is part of secondary schemata development.

Parents tell the nurse that their 1-year-old son often sleeps with them. They seem unconcerned about this. The nurse's response should be based on which statement? a. Children should not sleep with their parents. b. Separation from parents should be completed by this age. c. Daytime attention should be increased. d. This is a common and accepted practice, especially in some cultural groups.

ANS: D Co-sleeping, or sharing the family bed, in which the parents allow the children to sleep with them, is a common and accepted practice in many cultures. Parents should evaluate the options available and avoid conditions that place the infant at risk. Population-based studies are currently under way; no evidence at this time supports or condemns the practice for safety reasons. Co-sleeping is a cultural practice. One year is the age at which children are just beginning to individuate. Increased daytime activity may help decrease sleep problems in general, but co-sleeping is a culturally determined phenomenon.

An infant is more likely to be at increased risk for infections based on the immunological premise that A. decreased amount of immunoglobulin M at birth. B. limited maternal transfer resulted in decreased protection during the first 3 months of life. C. inability to synthesize immunoglobulin G. D. limited ability to reach adult levels until 1 year of age.

ANS: D Infants reach 40% of their immunoglobulin levels by 1 year of age and are therefore at risk to develop an infection. Infants have an increased amount of immunoglobulin M at birth, have maternal transfer until 3 months of age, and are able to synthesize immunoglobulin at decreased rates.