A nurse is reinforcing teaching with the parents of a 2-month-old infant who has gastroesophageal reflux. The parents are feeding the infant formula. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Keeping the infant at a 30-degree angle after feedings helps prevent reflux by allowing gravity to aid in digestion and reduce regurgitation. This is an effective non-pharmacologic intervention for managing gastroesophageal reflux. B. Giving a bottle immediately before bedtime can worsen reflux symptoms, as lying flat after feeding increases the risk of regurgitation and discomfort. It is better to feed the infant earlier and keep them upright for some time after feeding. C. Limiting feedings to every 6 hours is inappropriate for an infant. Infants need frequent feedings (typically every 3-4 hours), and smaller, more frequent feedings can help reduce reflux symptoms. D. Changing to a soy-based formula is not a standard recommendation for managing reflux unless the infant has a diagnosed cow’s milk protein allergy. Thickened feedings or hypoallergenic formulas may be more beneficial if a formula change is needed.