A newborn, who has had gastroschisis repair, is transferred to the pediatric unit after spending several days in the pediatric intensive care unit. The infant is on parenteral nutrition and continuous enteral feedings. What action should the nurse include in the plan of care to promote the infant’s normal growth and development?

Choice A rationale While physical therapy can be beneficial for many pediatric patients, it may not be the most appropriate intervention for a newborn who has had gastroschisis repair and is on parenteral nutrition and continuous enteral feedings. The focus at this stage should be on promoting normal growth and development, and physical therapy may not directly contribute to this goal. Choice B rationale Offering a pacifier for non-nutritive sucking can be an effective strategy to promote normal growth and development in infants who have had gastroschisis repair. Non-nutritive sucking can help stimulate the sucking reflex, which is important for feeding and growth. Therefore, the nurse should include this action in the plan of care. Choice C rationale Confirming the placement of the enteral tube with an abdominal x-ray is an important part of care for infants on continuous enteral feedings. However, this action is more related to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the feeding process rather than promoting the infant’s normal growth and development. Choice D rationale Using sterile technique during feedings is a standard practice to prevent infection, especially in infants who are on parenteral nutrition and continuous enteral feedings. However, this action does not directly promote the infant’s normal growth and development.