How should the nurse respond to Ms. Myers' concern about her baby's weight loss?

1) Assure Ms. Myers that it is normal for babies to lose weight in the first few days after birth.
2) Inform Ms. Myers that the baby's weight loss is a cause for concern and needs further evaluation.
3) Advise Ms. Myers to increase her baby's feeding frequency to prevent further weight loss.
4) Suggest Ms. Myers consult a pediatrician for a thorough examination of her baby's health.

The nurse should reassure Ms. Myers that it is normal for babies to lose some weight after birth and recover within the first week. If weight loss is within the expected range and no other concerns exist, there's often no need for alarm. However, significant or concerning weight loss may require a pediatrician's evaluation.

Explanation:

To address Ms. Myers' concern about her baby's weight loss, the nurse should assure Ms. Myers that it is normal for babies to lose weight in the first few days after birth. Babies can lose about three to seven percent of their birth weight, which can result from the resorption and urination of fluid in the lungs and a delay in feeding becoming well established. This weight loss should recover as the baby starts gaining roughly 20 g (0.7 oz) per day after the first week.

If Ms. Myers' baby's weight loss is within the normal range, and there are no other signs of health issues, the nurse can reassure her and encourage continued monitoring of the baby's weight gain. However, if the baby's weight loss is more than typical, the nurse might suggest consulting a pediatrician for a thorough examination to ensure there are no underlying health concerns.