Mrs. Raji complains that her new born gets hiccups after breastfeeding. She is worried that the baby has some problem. As a nurse, which of the following facts would you convey to convince the mother that there is nothing wrong with her child?

Appeared in: UPUMS Nsg officer-2023

Explanation

Hiccups are a common and benign reflex in newborns, caused by the immaturity of the diaphragm and the nerves controlling it.
They are frequently triggered by feeding, which can cause the stomach to distend and irritate the diaphragm.
The primary nursing action is to provide accurate information and reassurance to the mother, which alleviates anxiety and builds confidence.
This response correctly identifies the phenomenon as normal and non-pathological, which is the most appropriate and truthful advice.

Option A: Hiccups are a function of the diaphragm and nervous system, not the gastrointestinal tract in a way that would affect stool color. This suggestion could create unfounded fear of a serious issue like GI bleeding.
Option C: Stopping a feed and observing the baby implies that a complication is expected. This can increase maternal anxiety and interfere with the baby's feeding schedule. While a brief pause to burp is fine, this advice is overly cautious and alarming.
Option D: This is dangerous advice. Giving water to infants under 6 months is contraindicated. It provides no nutritional value, can interfere with breast milk intake, and poses a risk of water intoxication and electrolyte imbalance (hyponatremia).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Safe nursing care depends on performing Normal physiological findings in a newborn and appropriate nursing reassurance in the correct sequence, documenting the action clearly, and monitoring for the expected response.
A primary role of the nurse in postpartum and neonatal care is to educate new parents, normalize common infant behaviors, and reduce parental anxiety.
Providing evidence-based reassurance builds trust and empowers parents to care for their newborn confidently.
Incorrect advice, especially regarding feeding (like giving water), can lead to serious health problems such as water intoxication or failure to thrive, highlighting the nurse's critical patient safety role.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: a new mother is anxious about a common newborn behavior (hiccups after feeding).
Recognize this as a clinical scenario question that tests your ability to provide safe and accurate patient education.
Evaluate each option against standard neonatal care guidelines.
Option A (stool color): Ask yourself if there is a physiological link between hiccups and stool. There isn't. Eliminate this option.
Option B (normal response): Consider if hiccups are a known, common occurrence in newborns. Yes, they are. This is a strong candidate as it provides correct information and reassurance.
Option C (stop feeding): Evaluate if this is a necessary or helpful action. It's overly cautious and may increase anxiety. Eliminate.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Normal physiological findings in a newborn and appropriate nursing reassurance.
Stem keywords: newborn, hiccups, breastfeeding, mother worried, nurse
Lead-in keywords: which of the following facts, convey to convince
Clinical cues: Mother's anxiety about a common newborn behavior.

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E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 454-456

E6 Nutrition Monika Sharma 3e p. 197-199

E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 829-831

Practise the full UPUMS Nsg officer-2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.