Final answer:
The appropriate nursing intervention is to provide positive reinforcement for feeding efforts to the mother of a 10-month-old with nonorganic failure to thrive. Colostrum is vital for boosting a newborn's immune system, and breastfeeding operates on a positive feedback mechanism, which aligns with an infant's nutritional demands.
Step-by-step explanation:
When caring for the mother of a 10-month-old with nonorganic failure to thrive, the appropriate nursing intervention is to provide positive reinforcement for feeding efforts. This strategy supports and encourages the mother, promoting a nurturing and positive feeding environment. Strict feeding schedules or discouraging close physical contact are not supportive and may exacerbate feeding issues. Early introduction of solid foods should be done in line with pediatric recommendations and is not specifically related to addressing nonorganic failure to thrive, which often has more to do with the feeding relationship than the type of food being offered.
Regarding the importance of colostrum, it is most important to a newborn because it helps boost the newborn's immune system. It contains antibodies and white blood cells, which are crucial in protecting the infant against diseases and infections. While colostrum also provides essential nutrients and can satisfy thirst and hunger, its role in immunological protection is considered fundamental.
Breastfeeding and the regulation of milk production is an example of positive feedback. As the baby sucks on the nipple, this stimulates the mother's body to produce more milk. This mechanism ensures that the infant's demand for nutrition is met. The evolutionary benefit of this system is that it allows for the infant's nutritional needs to direct milk production, promoting survival and healthy development.