Question

A client is rooming in with her newborn. The nurse observes the infant lying quietly in the bassinet with the eyes open wide. What action should the nurse take in response to the infant's behavior?

O Brightening the lights in the room
O Encouraging the mother to talk to her baby
O Wrapping and then turning the infant to the side
O Beginning physical and behavioral assessments

Answer 1

The nurse should encourage the mother to talk to her infant, as newborns prefer human faces and voices, especially their mother's, aiding in bonding and developmental stimulation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Response to Infant's Behavior in a Hospital Setting

When a nurse observes an infant lying quietly in the bassinet with eyes open wide, the most appropriate action would be encouraging the mother to talk to her baby. Newborns show a significant preference for human faces and sounds, especially their mother's voice, which can have a calming effect and promote bonding. Moreover, newborns' sensory abilities are already tuned to facilitate interaction with caregivers, and they respond positively to soft voices. Engaging with the infant at this stage through conversation can also be beneficial for the newborn's auditory and emotional development.