A client who is a primigravida tells the practical nurse (PN), "My baby seems to be sleeping, but look at the funny movements he is making." The PN notices that the infant is making hand-to-hand movements, smacking his lips, and turning his head. Which is the best response for the PN to make?

A. These movements indicate that the infant is hungry: Hand-to-mouth movements, lip smacking, and turning the head are early hunger cues in infants. Recognizing and responding to these cues promotes effective feeding and helps establish breastfeeding or bottle-feeding routines. B. Allow the infant to sleep. He is probably only dreaming: Infants may make movements while sleeping, but the behaviors described are classic early hunger cues, not sleep-related activity. Ignoring these signs may delay feeding and increase infant distress. C. Check to see if he needs his diaper changed: While a wet or soiled diaper can cause discomfort, the specific movements of hand-to-mouth and lip smacking are more indicative of hunger than diaper needs. D. The infant may be uncomfortable. Place him on his side: Positioning the infant on the side may help with reflux or sleep, but it does not address the primary reason for the observed behaviors, which are hunger cues requiring feeding.