Question

A nurse is teaching the parent of an infant about ways to prevent sudden infant syndrome (SIDS). Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

a) Placing the infant on their back to sleep.
b) Using a soft pillow in the crib for added comfort.
c) Keeping the room temperature warm to avoid chilling the infant.
d) Allowing the infant to sleep with soft toys and blankets.

Answer 1

The nurse should include instructions for preventing SIDS that involve placing the infant on their back to sleep, avoiding use of soft items in the crib, and maintaining a comfortable room temperature without overheating. Additionally, exposure to secondhand smoke should be eliminated.

Step-by-step explanation:

When teaching the parent of an infant about ways to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), the nurse should include the following instructions:

• Placing the infant on their back to sleep, which has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS significantly.
• Ensuring the crib does not contain soft items like pillows, blankets, or padded crib bumpers that could pose a suffocation threat to the infant.
• Keeping the room at a comfortable temperature to prevent overheating, which can lead to SIDS. A warm, not hot, temperature is advisable.
• Eliminating exposure to secondhand smoke in the home as this increases the risk of SIDS.
• Avoiding the use of head caps when the infant is put to sleep to prevent overheating.

It is crucial to follow these recommendations as they have been instrumental in reducing the incidence of SIDS. Parents should also be aware of the significant correlation between premature birth, low birth weight, and the increased risk of SIDS.