Using Erikson's psychosocial development theory, which action by the nurse would best support the newborn's developing trust?

Using Erikson's psychosocial development theory, which action by the nurse would best support the newborn's developing trust?

• A. Anticipate all needs of the newborn infant
• B. Attend to the newborn infant immediately when crying
• C. Allow the newborn infant to signal a need
• D. Avoid the newborn infant during the first 10 minutes of crying

Answer: (C)

In infancy, trust develops when caregivers respond to the baby’s basic needs in a consistent and timely way. The action that best supports this developing trust is allowing the newborn to signal a need. By recognizing and responding to the infant’s own cues—such as crying or other signals—the nurse validates that communication is effective and that needs will be met. This helps the baby learn that the world is predictable and that caregivers can be relied upon. While promptly responding to cries is important, giving the infant the opportunity to initiate a request through signals reinforces the infant’s sense of agency and trust. Anticipating every need too early can deprive the baby of practicing signaling, which is essential for building trust.

In infancy, trust develops when caregivers respond to the baby’s basic needs in a consistent and timely way. The action that best supports this developing trust is allowing the newborn to signal a need. By recognizing and responding to the infant’s own cues—such as crying or other signals—the nurse validates that communication is effective and that needs will be met. This helps the baby learn that the world is predictable and that caregivers can be relied upon. While promptly responding to cries is important, giving the infant the opportunity to initiate a request through signals reinforces the infant’s sense of agency and trust. Anticipating every need too early can deprive the baby of practicing signaling, which is essential for building trust.