Practice Question
The nurse is observing a postpartum woman and her partner interact with their newborn. The nurse determines that the parents are developing parental attachment with their newborn when they demonstrate which of the following? Select all that apply
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Identifies common features between themselves and the newborn.
Rationale:
Identifies common features between themselves and the newborn
🔵When parents point out similarities in appearance, such as “She has my nose” or “He has your eyes,” it reflects claiming behaviors that are part of healthy bonding and attachment.
🔵 This shows that the parents are mentally incorporating the baby into their family identity, recognizing the infant as theirs.
🔵 Such statements demonstrate emotional investment and a sense of pride and connection with the baby.
🔵 These behaviors help strengthen the emotional bond and support long-term positive parent–infant relationships.
🔵 Therefore, identifying common features is considered a clear sign of developing attachment.
Makes direct eye contact with the newborn
🔵Eye contact is a powerful early form of nonverbal communication and bonding between parents and their newborn.
🔵 Parents who hold and gaze into the baby’s eyes are engaging in mutual interaction that promotes emotional connection and attachment.
🔵 This behavior is often accompanied by soft talking, smiling, and gentle touch, which further reinforces bonding.
🔵 Eye contact helps parents learn the baby’s cues and expressions, supporting responsive caregiving.
🔵 Therefore, making direct eye contact with the newborn is a strong indicator of positive attachment behavior.
Refers to the newborn as looking like an alien
🔵Using negative or dehumanizing descriptions may indicate emotional distance, anxiety, or difficulty accepting the baby.
🔵 This is not a typical sign of healthy attachment and suggests the parent may need support in adjusting to the new role.
Frequently asks for the newborn to be taken from the room
🔵Constantly requesting that the baby be removed can reflect avoidance, fatigue, fear, or lack of readiness to interact.
🔵 While some time apart is normal, repeated requests may indicate limited bonding or emotional overwhelm, not attachment.
Refrains from checking out the newborn’s features
🔵 Interested parents usually examine and explore the baby’s features, such as hands, feet, face, and hair.
🔵 Avoiding this normal behavior may signal lack of interest, depression, or difficulty connecting with the newborn.
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This question is from ATI Maternal Newborn which contains 27 questions.
More Questions from This Exam
Which of the following would lead the nurse to suspect that a postpartum woman is experiencing a problem?
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: ATI Exam(s)
- Domain: RN ATI Maternal & Newborn Care
- Answer Choices: 5