Growth and Development Q 45
A maternity nurse is providing instruction to a new mother regarding the psychosocial development of the newborn infant. Using Erikson’s psychosocial development theory, the nurse would instruct the mother to
A. Allow the newborn infant to signal a need
B. Anticipate all of the needs of the newborn infant
C. Avoid the newborn infant during the first 10 minutes of crying
D. Allow the infant to cry, once lessen, then attend to the infant
Correct Answer: A. Allow the newborn infant to signal a need.
If a newborn is not allowed to signal a need, the newborn will not learn how to control the environment. The primary way the caregiver can build trust with the baby is to respond when they try to communicate. Because babies can’t use words to express themselves, they use nonverbal strategies to communicate what they’re thinking and feeling at all times.
Option B: According to Erikson, the caregiver should not try to anticipate the newborn infant’s needs at all times but must allow the newborn infant to signal needs. Crying is one of the most common strategies babies use to communicate with their caregivers, and it carries different meanings.
Option C: It is important for caregivers to provide comfort to an infant by holding them closely and securely. This provides both warmth and physical contact. Feeding, bathing, and comforting your child helps them learn to trust that their needs will be met.
Option D: Erikson believed that a delayed or prolonged response to a newborn’s signal would inhibit the development of trust and lead to mistrust of others. By responding quickly and appropriately to the infant’s cries, the caregiver is building a foundation of trust.