A nurse is teaching the parent of an infant who has a new diagnosis of heart failure about nutrition. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Infants with heart failure often experience increased respiratory effort when lying flat. Placing them in a recumbent position can worsen their condition by making it harder to breathe. An upright or semi- upright position is usually preferred to facilitate breathing and digestion. B. Infants with heart failure often tire easily during feeding due to increased metabolic demands. Prolonged feedings can be exhausting and may lead to insufficient intake. Shorter, more frequent feedings are typically recommended. C. Crying increases the infant's oxygen consumption and metabolic rate, which can be detrimental for an infant with heart failure. It is essential to prevent crying and distress before feeding. D. Infants with heart failure often tire easily. A more frequent feeding schedule, such as every 3 hours, allows for smaller, more manageable feedings without overexerting the infant.