What should the nurse implement for security purposes when bringing the infant from the nursery to the mother?

Choice A rationale Confirming the mother's room number is a basic safety and logistical measure, but it does not provide definitive, legally verifiable identification to link the specific infant to the correct mother. The primary safeguard against infant abduction or accidental mix-up is the unique, unalterable identification system applied immediately after birth, which is the comparison of corresponding numbered bands, ensuring the identity match. Choice B rationale Asking the mother, "Is this your band number?", is an inappropriate leading question that could elicit an incorrect, affirmative response, compromising security. The nurse must independently verify the match between the numbered band on the infant and the corresponding numbered band on the mother (or a significant other), ensuring that the unique identifying codes are identical before transferring custody. Choice C rationale The comparison of the band number of the infant with that of the mother is the most critical and non-negotiable step for security. Identification bands, applied in the delivery room, bear matching, unique numbers and are the primary system of positive identification. This check ensures that the specific infant being transported is biologically and legally linked to the specific mother, thereby preventing accidental mix-ups or abductions. Choice D rationale Asking the mother to verbally identify herself (e.g., state her full name) helps confirm the identity of the person receiving the infant but is not sufficient for infant security. Verbal identification is easily compromised and does not verify the infant's identity. The essential security measure remains the visual and numerical comparison of the infant's and mother's matching identification band numbers.