The nurse is discussing child care strategies with a mother of a newbo

The nurse is discussing child care strategies with a mother of a newborn. The mother asks the nurse, “What causes sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)?”

Which of the following responses is most likely to answer the mother’s question therapeutically?
1. “SIDS is a common fear for new mothers. The best advice is to put your baby to sleep on her back.”
2. “We aren’t sure exactly, but it may have something to do with undetected cardiac or oxygen problems.”
3. “Research is inconclusive, but it’s thought to be a result of a nervous system problem that occurs when the baby is asleep.”
4. “Your pediatrician wants you to put your baby to sleep on her back because re-search has shown that more stomach sleepers are victims.”

ANSWER

ANS: 3
Some have hypothesized that sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is caused by abnormalities in the autonomic nervous system that are manifested during sleep, resulting in apnea, hypoxia, and/or cardiac dysrhythmias. This answer provides the most thorough answer to the mother’s question, whereas the remaining options stress preventive measures.