Linda Scott, an African-American mother who delivered her first baby and is on the mother–baby unit, calls the nursery nurse into her room and expresses concern about how her daughter looks. Ms. Scott tells the nurse that her baby’s head looks like a “banana” and is mushy to the touch, and she has “white spots” all over her nose. In addition, there appear to be “big bluish bruises” all over her baby’s buttocks. She wants to know what is wrong with her baby and whether these problems will go away.
a. How should the nurse respond to Ms. Scott’s questions?
b. What additional newborn instruction might be appropriate at this time?
c. What reassurance can be given to Ms. Scott regarding her daughter’s appearance?
