NCLEX RN Pediatric Questions Related

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A 4-month-old was born at 35 weeks of gestation. She seems to be developing normally, but her parents are concerned because she is a "more difficult" baby than their other child, who was term. What should the nurse's explanation include?

  • A. Infants' temperaments are part of their unique characteristics.
  • B. Infants become less difficult if they are not kept on scheduled feedings and structured routines.
  • C. The infant's behavior is suggestive of failure to bond completely with her parents.
  • D. The infant's difficult temperament is the result of painful experiences in the neonatal period.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should explain to the parents that infants' temperaments are part of their unique characteristics. Temperament refers to an individual's natural predisposition towards certain behaviors and emotional responses. It is not uncommon for babies to have different temperaments, even within the same family. This 4-month-old baby may simply have a more difficult temperament compared to her sibling who was born at term. It is important for parents to understand and accept their baby's temperament as part of her individuality, rather than attributing it to other factors such as failure to bond or painful experiences in the neonatal period. While schedules and routines can help with managing challenging behaviors, it is essential for the parents to recognize and appreciate the uniqueness of their baby's temperament.