A nurse is caring for an infant who has gastroesophageal reflux. The nurse should place the infant in which of the following positions after feeding?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A reason: Right-side positioning after feeding may reduce reflux in some infants but is less effective than upright positioning, which uses gravity to keep stomach contents down. Right-side lying also poses a sudden infant death syndrome risk, making it less ideal than upright positioning for managing gastroesophageal reflux in infants. Choice B reason: Prone positioning is contraindicated for infants due to increased sudden infant death syndrome risk. It does not effectively reduce gastroesophageal reflux compared to upright positioning, which leverages gravity to prevent regurgitation. Prone positioning is unsafe and not recommended, making it an incorrect choice for reflux management. Choice C reason: Left-side positioning is not optimal for gastroesophageal reflux, as it may not prevent stomach contents from refluxing into the esophagus. Upright positioning is more effective, using gravity to minimize regurgitation and esophagitis. Left-side lying also carries sleep-related risks, making it less appropriate than upright positioning. Choice D reason: Upright positioning after feeding is optimal for gastroesophageal reflux, as gravity keeps stomach contents from refluxing into the esophagus, reducing regurgitation and esophageal irritation. This position minimizes aspiration risk and promotes comfort, making it the recommended choice for infants with reflux to prevent complications like esophagitis.