All of the following are the benefits of KMC (Kangaroo Mother Care) except?

HPSSC Staff Nurse - 2021

Child Health Nursing (Pediatrics)

Easy

Appeared in: HPSSC Staff Nurse - 2021

Explanation

A direct increase in growth hormone is not a documented primary physiological effect of Kangaroo Mother Care.
While infants in KMC show better growth and weight gain, this is considered an indirect outcome.
The improved growth is attributed to factors like better energy conservation (less cold stress), increased and more effective breastfeeding, and reduced rates of infection.

Option A: This is a primary and well-established benefit of KMC. The mother's stable body temperature helps regulate the infant's temperature, preventing hypothermia.
Option B: This is a key psychosocial benefit of KMC. The skin-to-skin contact fosters a strong emotional connection between the mother and her baby.
Option C: This is a correct physiological benefit. The proximity and suckling during KMC stimulate the release of prolactin (for milk production) and oxytocin (for milk let-down and bonding), thereby promoting successful breastfeeding.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Benefits of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
KMC is a high-impact, low-cost nursing intervention that significantly reduces mortality and morbidity in low-birth-weight and preterm infants, especially in resource-limited settings.
Nurses play a crucial role in educating, counseling, and supporting mothers and families to initiate and continue KMC, both in the hospital and at home.
What if? If the mother is unwell or unavailable to provide KMC, the nurse should counsel and train another willing family member, such as the father or grandmother, to provide skin-to-skin care. This ensures the infant continues to receive the benefits without interruption.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the negative keyword 'except' in the question. This signals that you must find the option that is NOT a true benefit of KMC.
Systematically review each option, recalling the known physiological and psychological effects of KMC.
Evaluate Option A: Is maintaining temperature a benefit? Yes, thermoregulation is a core purpose of KMC.
Evaluate Option B: Does KMC promote bonding? Yes, skin-to-skin contact is fundamental for maternal-infant bonding.
Evaluate Option C: Does KMC affect lactation hormones? Yes, it facilitates breastfeeding, which is regulated by prolactin and oxytocin.
Evaluate Option D: Does KMC directly increase growth hormone? While growth improves, it's an indirect result of other factors, not a direct hormonal surge. This makes it the most likely exception.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Benefits of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC)
Stem keywords: KMC, Kangaroo Mother Care, benefits
Lead-in keywords: except
Negative lead-in flag: The question asks for the exception among the given options.

QCOrPtW3J8nwHkaLDgpbBx

E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 147-149

E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health NursingShyamala D part 1 (pp 26-389 of 389) p. 171-174