Question

The mother of a newborn baby is concerned that the baby will develop illness from being around people from outside of their family. What is the nurse's best response?

a) "Newborns have limited immunity but are protected by antibodies from you."
b) "It's essential to limit all interactions to prevent illnesses."
c) "Babies develop stronger immunity by being around different people."
d) "Newborns are not susceptible to illnesses from outside contact."

Answer 1

Newborns have limited immunity but are protected via naturally acquired passive immunity from their mother's antibodies. These antibodies provide initial protection against pathogens while the infant's immune system is developing.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's best response to a mother's concerns about her newborn baby developing illness from being around people outside of their family is: "Newborns have limited immunity but are protected by antibodies from you." This statement aligns with the concept of naturally acquired passive immunity, where antibodies are transported from mother to fetus across the placenta, giving newborns protection against common pathogens while their own immune system matures.

Antibodies are also passed to the infant via breast milk, particularly IgA, enhancing the infant's immune protection. While newborns do have some immunity, it is vital to remember that their immune system is still developing, and they can be vulnerable to infections, which is why careful exposure to outside contacts is recommended to balance protection and immune development.