A nurse is teaching parents about caring for their infant diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Which statements by the parents indicate understanding of the teaching? (Select all that apply)
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A reason: Placing an infant on the stomach for sleep increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and does not effectively manage GERD. Upright positioning after feeding is preferred to reduce reflux by aiding gastric emptying, making this an incorrect and unsafe practice for GERD management. Choice B reason: Frequent burping during feedings reduces air swallowed by the infant, decreasing gastric pressure and minimizing reflux episodes in GERD. This practice helps prevent stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus, aligning with effective management strategies, making it a correct parental understanding of care. Choice C reason: Keeping the infant upright for 30 minutes after feedings uses gravity to prevent stomach contents from refluxing into the esophagus, reducing GERD symptoms. This is a standard recommendation for managing infant GERD, as it promotes gastric emptying, making this a correct parental statement. Choice D reason: Large, infrequent feedings increase gastric volume and pressure, exacerbating GERD by promoting reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. Smaller, more frequent feedings are recommended to minimize reflux, making this statement incorrect and indicating a misunderstanding of GERD management principles. Choice E reason: Small, frequent feedings reduce gastric distension, lowering the pressure that can cause reflux in infants with GERD. This approach allows better digestion and lessens esophageal irritation, aligning with standard care recommendations, making it a correct statement reflecting parental understanding of GERD management.