Health Promotion and Maintenance
4. A 26-year-old client, who is a gravida 1, para 1, delivered an 8-pound, 12-ounce female infant over an intact perineum 24 hours ago. Since the client's delivery, an RN has observed that the client does not seem to show a lot of attention to her new infant. The client frequently lets her family take care of changing and holding the newborn. How should the RN interpret the client's behavior?
. The client seems to doubt her competency as a mother.
. The client is developing an attachment disorder.
. The client is showing expected behaviors for the taking-in period.
. The client is probably suffering from postpartum depression.
Test-Taking Tip
Consider the time that has passed since delivery and what stage of adaptation the new mother is experiencing. Three of the options focus on problems (e.g., doubting competency, attachment disorder, depression). Select the one option that is "normal."
Content Area: Maternity, Postpartum; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Analysis; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Health Promotion and Maintenance/Ante/Intra/Postpartum and Newborn Care
Health Promotion and Maintenance
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Answer 1 is incorrect because, according to Rubin, maternal role attachment develops over about a 3-to 10-month period, so it is too early to make this determination. Answer 2 is incorrect because attachment is an ongoing process that occurs gradually. Answer 3 is correct because this client is demonstrating normal behavior for the taking-in period, which, according to Rubin, includes dependence and passivity that may last up to 3 days after delivery. Answer 4 is incorrect because a client experiencing postpartum depression consistently demonstrates anxiety, confusion, or other signs and symptoms (i.e., feelings of worthlessness or guilt, tearfulness, hopelessness and feeling empty inside, lack of joy in new baby).