A nurse is planning care for a client in the postpartum unit. Which of the following goals should the nurse identify for the client to accomplish during the taking-in phase of postpartum adjustment?.
A.
The client will demonstrate proper bathing of the infant.
B.
The client will verbalize appropriate car seat safety.
C.
The client will identify individual family member roles.
D.
The client will have adequate nutritional intake.
The correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is D. The client will have adequate nutritional intake.
Explanation:
The postpartum period, or the puerperium, is a time of adjustment and recovery for a new mother following childbirth. It is often divided into different phases of adjustment, including the “taking-in” phase. This initial phase typically occurs within the first few days postpartum and is characterized by the mother’s focus on her own needs and the birth experience rather than on her role as a parent.
During the taking-in phase, the primary concern is often the mother’s physical recovery and self-care. Therefore, the goal of ensuring adequate nutritional intake is crucial. Proper nutrition supports healing, energy levels, and overall recovery, making it a key focus during this phase.
In contrast:
- A. Demonstrating proper bathing of the infant is more relevant to the “taking-hold” phase, where the mother starts to focus more on infant care and learning about parenting.
- B. Verbalizing appropriate car seat safety is important but falls into the realm of practical parenting skills and safety, which are typically addressed as the mother moves beyond the taking-in phase and begins to focus more on infant care and family dynamics.
- C. Identifying individual family member roles pertains to the “letting-go” phase or later stages of adjustment when the mother and family begin to adapt to their new roles and responsibilities more fully.
Thus, during the taking-in phase, the goal of ensuring the client has adequate nutritional intake aligns with the mother’s focus on self-care and recovery, supporting her overall health and well-being as she transitions into her new role.