A 4-month-old infant is admitted to the pediatric unit for a 10-day course of antibiotics. The parents are only able to visit on weekends. Which action indicates the nurse understands the emotional needs of the infant?

  1. The nurse care plan calls for soothing music to be played several times per day.
  2. The nurse self-assigns care for the infant each shift worked.
  3. The nurse assigns a male nurse to care for the infant as much as possible.
  4. The nurse places the infant in a room close to the nursing station.
Number 2 is correct.
Rationale: Continuity of care by the same nursing personnel helps build trust with the infant, an important developmental need at 4 months old. Playing music will influence the environment but is not the best choice for meeting the emotional needs of the infant. The gender of the nursing care provider is irrelevant. Placing the infant close to the nursing station will not address its emotional needs.