Question

A 17-year-old client gave birth 12 hours ago. She states that she doesn't know how to care for her baby. To promote parent-infant attachment behaviors, which intervention should the nurse implement?

a. Explore the basis of fears with the client.
b. Provide a video on newborn safety and care.
c. Ask if she has help to care for the baby at home.
d. Encourage rooming-in while in the hospital.

Answer 1

Foster parent-infant attachment for a new mother, the nurse should encourage rooming-in while in the hospital
(option d) , which allows for bonding and practical learning under supervision.

Step-by-step explanation:

To promote parent-infant attachment behaviors for a 17-year-old client who gave birth 12 hours ago and is unsure how to care for her baby, the nurse should encourage rooming-in while in the hospital. Rooming-in enables the mother to spend more time with her newborn, which facilitates bonding and attachment. This close physical proximity allows the mother to learn her baby's cues and participate in caregiving practices such as feeding, changing, and comforting, all under the support and guidance of the hospital staff.

Exploring the fears of the new mother can help address concerns and provide emotional support, but it doesn't offer immediate practical caregiving skills. Providing a video on newborn safety and care may be helpful but does not replace the hands-on learning experience that rooming-in can offer. While confirming if the client has help at home is important for her continued support, it does not provide immediate bonding opportunities in the hospital setting.