Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to implement? For each potential nursing action, click to specify if the intervention is indicated or contraindicated for the newborn.
Correct Answer:
Rationale: Educate the parents to begin range of motion exercises on the affected arm after 1 week is indicated. Passive ROM exercises of the arm are indicated to restore function of the extremity. The initiation of these exercises is delayed for approximately 1 week to prevent additional injury to the brachial plexus. Assess for grasp reflex in the affected extremity is indicated. With Erb-Duchenne paralysis, only the upper arm is affected. The function of the wrists and fingers should be unaffected; the nurse should assess for a palmar grasp reflex.Immobilize the arm across the abdomen by pinning the newborn's sleeve to their shirt is indicated. Intermittent immobilization of the affected arm across the newborn's abdomen can be achieved by pinning the sleeve to the shirt.Instruct parents to limit physical handling for 2 weeks is contraindicated. Parents and guardians should participate in the physical care of their newborn to increase parental-infant attachment. Providing education and practice opportunities for the parents will decrease their fears of injuring the newborn and increase confidence and bonding.