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
The correct answer is Choice D.Choice A rationalePlacing the infant in a recumbent position during feeding is not recommended as it can increase the risk of aspiration. The infant should be held in an upright or semi-upright position to facilitate safe swallowing and digestion.Choice B rationaleAllowing the infant 45 minutes for each feeding can be too long and may lead to fatigue and decreased feeding efficiency. It is generally recommended to limit feeding sessions to 20-30 minutes to ensure the infant gets adequate nutrition without becoming overly tired.Choice C rationaleAllowing the infant to self-soothe by crying prior to feeding is not advisable, especially for infants with heart failure. Crying can increase the infant’s metabolic demands and oxygen consumption, which can be detrimental to their condition.Choice D rationaleImplementing a 3-hour feeding schedule helps ensure that the infant receives regular and consistent nutrition. This schedule can help manage the infant’s energy levels and prevent fatigue, which is important for infants with heart failure.