Chapter 25: Newborn Nutrition and Feeding

Lowdermilk: Maternity & Womens Health Care, 11th Edition

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. A new mother recalls from prenatal class that she should try to feed her
newborn daughter when she exhibits feeding readiness cues rather than waiting until the
baby is frantically crying. Which feeding cue would indicate that the baby is ready to eat?
a. Waves her arms in the air
b. Makes sucking motions
c. Has the hiccups
d. Stretches out her legs straight
ANS: B
Sucking motions, rooting, mouthing, and hand-to-mouth motions are examples of feeding
readiness cues. Waving her arms in the air, having the hiccups, and stretching out her
extremities are not typical feeding readiness cues.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand REF: p. 609 TOP: Nursing Process:

Planning
MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance

2. A pregnant woman wants to breastfeed her infant; however, her husband is

not convinced that there are any scientific reasons to do so. The nurse can give the couple
printed information comparing breastfeeding and bottle feeding. Which statement
regarding bottle feeding using commercially prepared infant formulas might influence
their choice?
a. Bottle feeding using a commercially
prepared formula increases the risk that
the infant will develop allergies.
b. Bottle feeding helps the infant sleep
through the night.
c. Commercially prepared formula ensures
that the infant is getting iron in a form that
is easily absorbed.
d. Bottle feeding requires that multivitamin
supplements be given to the infant.
ANS: A
Exposure to cows milk poses a risk of developing allergies, eczema, and asthma.
Newborns should be fed during the night, regardless of the feeding method. Iron is better
absorbed from breast milk than from formula. Commercial formulas are designed to meet
the nutritional needs of the infant and to resemble breast milk. No supplements are
necessary.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply REF: p. 602 TOP: Nursing Process:

Diagnosis
MSC: Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity, Basic Care and Comfort

3. A postpartum woman telephones the provider regarding her 5-day-old

infant. The client is not scheduled for another weight check until the infant is 14 days old.
The new mother is worried about whether breastfeeding is going well. Which statement
indicates that breastfeeding is effective for meeting the infants nutritional needs?
a. Sleeps for 6 hours at a time between
feedings
b. Has at least one breast milk stool every 24
hours
c. Gains 1 to 2 ounces per week
d. Has at least six to eight wet diapers per
day
ANS: D
After day 4, when the mothers milk comes in, the infant should have six to eight wet
diapers every 24 hours. Typically, infants sleep 2 to 4 hours between feedings, depending
on whether they are being fed on a 2- to 3-hour schedule or cluster-fed. The infants sleep
pattern is not an indication whether the infant is breastfeeding well. The infant should
have a minimum of three bowel movements in a 24-hour period. Breastfed infants
typically gain 15 to 30 g/day.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand REF: pp. 613-614 TOP: Nursing Process:
Evaluation
MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance

4. A primiparous woman is delighted with her newborn son and wants to

begin breastfeeding as soon as possible. How should the client be instructed to position
the infant to facilitate correct latch-on?
a. The infant should be positioned with his
or her arms folded together over the chest.
b. The infant should be curled up in a fetal
position.
c. The woman should cup the infants head
in her hand.
d. The infants head and body should be in
alignment with the mother.
ANS: D
The infants head and body should be in correct alignment with the mother and the breast
during latch-on and feeding. The infant should be facing the mother with his arms
hugging the breast. The babys body should be held in correct alignment (i.e., ears,
shoulder, and hips in a straight line) during feedings. The mother should support the
babys neck and shoulders with her hand and not push on the occiput.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply REF: p. 610

TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and
Maintenance
 5. A breastfeeding woman develops engorged breasts at 3 days postpartum.
What action will help this client achieve her goal of reducing the engorgement?
a. Skip feedings to enable her sore breasts to
rest.
b. Avoid using a breast pump.
c. Breastfeed her infant every 2 hours.
d. Reduce her fluid intake for 24 hours.
ANS: C
The mother should be instructed to attempt feeding her infant every 2 hours while
massaging the breasts as the infant is feeding. Skipping feedings may cause further
swelling and discomfort. If the infant does not adequately feed and empty the breast, then
the mother may pump to extract the milk and relieve some of the discomfort.
Dehydration further irritates swollen breast tissue.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand REF: p. 623

TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity

6. At a 2-month well-baby examination, it was discovered that an exclusively

breastfed infant had only gained 10 ounces in the past 4 weeks. The mother and the nurse
develop a feeding plan for the infant to increase his weight gain. Which change in dietary
management will assist the client in meeting this goal?
a. Begin solid foods.
b. Have a bottle of formula after every
feeding.
c. Have one extra breastfeeding session
every 24 hours.
d. Start iron supplements.
ANS: C
Usually the solution to slow weight gain is to improve the feeding technique. Position
and the latch-on technique are evaluated, and adjustments are made. Adding a feeding or
two within a 24-hour period might help. Solid foods should not be introduced to an infant
for at least 4 to 6 months. Bottle feeding may cause nipple confusion and may limit the
supply of milk. Iron supplements have no bearing on weight gain.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply REF: p. 615

TOP: Nursing Process: Planning | Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity

7. Parents have been asked by the neonatologist to provide breast milk for
their newborn son, who was born prematurely at 32 weeks of gestation. The nurse who
instructs them regarding pumping, storing, and transporting the milk needs to assess their
knowledge of lactation. Which statement is valid?
a. Premature infants more easily digest
breast milk than formula.
b. A glass of wine just before pumping will
help reduce stress and anxiety.
c. The mother should only pump as much
milk as the infant can drink.
d. The mother should pump every 2 to 3
 a. Premature infants more easily digest
breast milk than formula.
b. A glass of wine just before pumping will
help reduce stress and anxiety.
c. The mother should only pump as much
milk as the infant can drink.
d. The mother should pump every 2 to 3
hours, including during the night.
ANS: A
Human milk is the ideal food for preterm infants, with benefits that are unique, in
addition to those benefits received by full-term, healthy infants. Greater physiologic
stability occurs with breastfeeding, compared with formula feeding. Consumption of
alcohol during lactation is approached with caution. Excessive amounts can have serious
effects on the infant and can adversely affect the mothers milk ejection reflex. To
establish an optimal milk supply, the most appropriate instruction for the mother should
be to pump 8 to 10 times a day for 10 to 15 minutes on each breast.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze REF: p. 616 TOP: Nursing Process:

Evaluation
MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance

8. A new mother wants to be sure that she is meeting her daughters needs
while feeding the baby commercially prepared infant formula. The nurse should evaluate
the mothers knowledge about appropriate infant feeding techniques. Which statement by
the client reassures the nurse that correct learning has taken place?
a. Since reaching 2 weeks of age, I add rice
cereal to my daughters formula to ensure
adequate nutrition.
b. I warm the bottle in my microwave
oven.
c. I burp my daughter during and after the
feeding as needed.
d. I refrigerate any leftover formula for the
next feeding.
ANS: C
Most infants swallow air when fed from a bottle and should be given a chance to burp
several times during and after the feeding. Solid food should not be introduced to the
infant for at least 4 to 6 months after birth. A microwave should never be used to warm
any food to be given to an infant. The heat is not distributed evenly, which may pose a
risk of burning the infant. Any formula left in the bottle after the feeding should be
discarded because the infants saliva has mixed with it.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand REF: p. 626 TOP: Nursing Process:

Evaluation
MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance

9. A nurse is discussing the storage of breast milk with a mother whose

infant is preterm and in the special care nursery. Which statement indicates that the
mother requires additional teaching?
a. I can store my breast milk in the
refrigerator for 3 months.
b. I can store my breast milk in the freezer
for 3 months.
c. I can store my breast milk at room
temperature for 4 hours.
d. I can store my breast milk in the
refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
ANS: A
Breast milk for the hospitalized infant can be stored in the refrigerator for only 8 days,
not for 3 months. Breast milk can be stored in the freezer for 3 months, in a deep freezer
for 6 months, or at room temperature for 4 hours. Human milk for the healthy or preterm
hospitalized infant can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 8 days or in the freezer for up
to 3 months, but only for 4 hours or less at room temperature.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze REF: p. 618 TOP: Nursing Process:

Evaluation
MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance

10. A new mother asks the nurse what the experts say about the best way to
feed her infant. Which recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
regarding infant nutrition should be shared with this client?
a. Infants should be given only human milk
for the first 6 months of life.
b. Infants fed on formula should be started
on solid food sooner than breastfed
infants.
c. If infants are weaned from breast milk
before 12 months, then they should
receive cows milk, not formula.
d. After 6 months, mothers should shift from
breast milk to cows milk.
ANS: A
Breastfeeding and human milk should also be the sole source of milk for the first 12
months, not for only the first 6 months. Infants should be started on solids when they are
ready, usually at 6 months, whether they start on formula or breast milk. If infants are
weaned from breast milk before 12 months, then they should receive iron-fortified
formula, not cows milk.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply REF: p. 601 TOP: Nursing Process:

Planning
MSC: Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity

11. Which statement is the best rationale for recommending formula over
breastfeeding?
a. Mother has a medical condition or is
taking drugs that could be passed along to
the infant via breast milk.
b. Mother lacks confidence in her ability to
breastfeed.
c. Other family members or care providers
also need to feed the baby.
d. Mother sees bottle feeding as more
convenient.
ANS: A
Breastfeeding is contraindicated when mothers have certain viruses, tuberculosis, are
undergoing chemotherapy, or are using or abusing drugs. Some women lack confidence
in their ability to produce breast milk of adequate quantity or quality. The key to
encouraging these mothers to breastfeed is anticipatory guidance beginning as early as
possible during the pregnancy. A major barrier for many women is the influence of family
and friends. She may view formula feeding as a way to ensure that the father and other
family members can participate. Each encounter with the family is an opportunity for the
nurse to educate, dispel myths, and clarify information regarding the benefits of
breastfeeding. Many women see bottle feeding as more convenient and less embarrassing
than breastfeeding. They may also see breastfeeding as incompatible with an active social
life. Although modesty issues related to feeding the infant in public may exist, these
concerns are not legitimate reasons to formula-feed an infant. Often, the decision to
formula feed rather than breastfeed is made without complete information regarding the
benefits of breastfeeding.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand REF: p. 603 TOP: Nursing Process:

Planning
MSC: Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity

12. Which statement regarding the nutrient needs of breastfed infants is

correct?
a. Breastfed infants need extra water in hot
climates.
b. During the first 3 months, breastfed
infants consume more energy than
formula-fed infants.
c. Breastfeeding infants should receive oral
vitamin D drops daily during at least the
first 2 months.
d. Vitamin K injections at birth are not
necessary for breastfed infants.
ANS: C
Human milk contains only small amounts of vitamin D. All infants who are breastfed
should receive 400 International Units of vitamin D each day. Neither breastfed nor
formula-fed infants need to be fed water, not even in very hot climates. During the first 3
months, formula-fed infants consume more energy than breastfed infants and therefore
tend to grow more rapidly. Vitamin K shots are required for all infants because the
bacteria that produce it are absent from the babys stomach at birth.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand REF: p. 605 TOP: Nursing Process:

Planning
MSC: Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity

13. The nurse should be cognizant of which statement regarding the unique
qualities of human breast milk?
a. Frequent feedings during predictable
growth spurts stimulate increased milk
production.
b. Milk of preterm mothers is the same as
the milk of mothers who gave birth at
term.
c. Milk at the beginning of the feeding is the
same as the milk at the end of the feeding.
d. Colostrum is an early, less concentrated,
less rich version of mature milk.
ANS: A
Growth spurts (at 10 days, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months) usually last 24 to 48 hours,
after which the infants resume normal feeding. The milk of mothers of preterm infants is
different from that of mothers of full-term infants to meet the needs of these newborns.
Milk changes composition during feeding. The fat content of the milk increases as the
infant feeds. Colostrum precedes mature milk and is more concentrated and richer in
proteins and minerals (but not fat).

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand REF: p. 607 TOP: Nursing Process:

Planning
MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance

14. A nurse providing couplet care should understand the issue of nipple
confusion. In which situation might this condition occur?
a. Breastfeeding babies receive
supplementary bottle feedings.
b. Baby is too abruptly weaned.
c. Pacifiers are used before breastfeeding is
established.
d. Twins are breastfed together.
ANS: A
Nipple confusion can result when babies go back and forth between bottles and breasts,
especially before breastfeeding is established in 3 to 4 weeks; bottle feeding and
breastfeeding require different skills. Abrupt weaning can be distressing to the mother
and/or baby but should not lead to nipple confusion. Pacifiers used before breastfeeding
is established can be disruptive but do not lead to nipple confusion. Breastfeeding twins
require some logistical adaptations but should not lead to nipple confusion.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand REF: p. 614 TOP: Nursing Process:

Planning
MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance

15. Which information should the nurse provide to a breastfeeding mother

regarding optimal self-care?
a. She will need an extra 1000 calories a day
to maintain energy and produce milk.
b. She can return to prepregnancy
consumption patterns of any drinks as
long as she gets enough calcium.
c. She should avoid trying to lose large
amounts of weight.
d. She must avoid exercising because it is
too fatiguing.
ANS: C
Large weight loss releases fat-stored contaminants into her breast milk, and it also
involves eating too little and/or exercising too much. A breastfeeding mother needs to add
only 200 to 500 extra calories to her diet to provide the extra nutrients for her infant.
However, this is true only if she does not drink alcohol, limits coffee to no more than two
cups (including caffeine in chocolate, tea, and some sodas, too), and carefully reads the
herbal tea ingredients. Although she needs her rest, moderate exercise is healthy.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand REF: p. 620 TOP: Nursing Process:

Planning
MSC: Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity

16. A newly delivered mother who intends to breastfeed tells her nurse, I am
so relieved that this pregnancy is over so that I can start smoking again. The nurse
encourages the client to refrain from smoking. However, this new mother is insistent that
she will resume smoking. How will the nurse adapt her health teaching with this new
information?
a. Smoking has little-to-no effect on milk
production.
b. No relationship exists between smoking
and the time of feedings.
c. The effects of secondhand smoke on
infants are less significant than for adults.
d. The mother should always smoke in
another room.
ANS: D
The new mother should be encouraged not to smoke. If she continues to smoke, she
should be encouraged to always smoke in another room, removed from the baby.
Smoking may impair milk production. When the products of tobacco are broken down,
they cross over into the breast milk. Tobacco also results in a reduction of the
antiinfective properties of breast milk. Research supports the conclusion that mothers
should not smoke within 2 hours before a feeding (AAP Committee on Drugs, 2001). The
effects of secondhand smoke on infants include excessive crying, colic, upper respiratory
infections, and an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply REF: p. 622 TOP: Nursing Process:

Planning
MSC: Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity

17. A new father is ready to take his wife and newborn son home. He proudly
tells the nurse who is discharging them that within the next week he plans to start feeding
the infant cereal between breastfeeding sessions. Which information should the nurse
provide regarding this feeding plan?
a. Feeding solid foods before your son is 4
to 6 months old may decrease your sons
intake of sufficient calories.
b. Feeding solid foods between
breastfeeding sessions before your son is
4 to 6 months old will lead to an early
cessation of breastfeeding.
c. Your feeding plan will help your son
sleep through the night.
d. Feeding solid foods before your son is 4
to 6 months old will limit his growth.
ANS: B
The introduction of solid foods before the infant is 4 to 6 months of age may result in
overfeeding and decreased intake of breast milk. The belief that feeding solid foods helps
infants sleep through the night is untrue. The proper balance of carbohydrate, protein, and
fat for an infant to grow properly is in the breast milk or formula.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply REF: p. 629 TOP: Nursing Process:

Evaluation
MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance

18. According to demographic research, which woman is least likely to

breastfeed and therefore most likely to need education regarding the benefits and proper
techniques of breastfeeding?
a. Between 30 and 35 years of age,
Caucasian, and employed part time
outside the home
b. Younger than 25 years of age, Hispanic,
and unemployed
c. Younger than 25 years of age, African-
American, and employed full time outside
the home
d. 35 years of age or older, Caucasian, and
employed full time at home
 a. Between 30 and 35 years of age,
Caucasian, and employed part time
outside the home
b. Younger than 25 years of age, Hispanic,
and unemployed
c. Younger than 25 years of age, African-
American, and employed full time outside
the home
d. 35 years of age or older, Caucasian, and
employed full time at home
ANS: C
Women least likely to breastfeed are typically younger than 25 years of age, have a lower
income, are less educated, are employed full time outside the home, and are African-
American.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand REF: p. 603

TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and
Maintenance

19. The nurse is explaining the benefits associated with breastfeeding to a new
mother. Which statement by the nurse would provide conflicting information to the
client?
a. Women who breastfeed have a decreased
risk of breast cancer.
b. Breastfeeding is an effective method of
birth control.
c. Breastfeeding increases bone density.
d. Breastfeeding may enhance postpartum
weight loss.
ANS: B
Although breastfeeding delays the return of fertility, it is not an effective birth control
method. Women who breastfeed have a decreased risk of breast cancer, an increase in
bone density, and a possibility of faster postpartum weight loss.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand REF: p. 621 TOP: Nursing Process:

Planning
MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance

20. While discussing the societal impacts of breastfeeding, the nurse should be
cognizant of the benefits and educate the client accordingly. Which statement as part of
this discussion would be incorrect?
a. Breastfeeding requires fewer supplies and
less cumbersome equipment.
b. Breastfeeding saves families money.
c. Breastfeeding costs employers in terms of
time lost from work.
d. Breastfeeding benefits the environment.
ANS: C
Actually, less time is lost to work by breastfeeding mothers, in part because infants are
healthier. Breastfeeding is convenient because it does not require cleaning or transporting
bottles and other equipment. It saves families money because the cost of formula far
exceeds the cost of extra food for the lactating mother. Breastfeeding uses a renewable
resource; it does not need fossil fuels, advertising, shipping, or disposal.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand REF: p. 602 TOP: Nursing Process:

Evaluation
MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance

21. In assisting the breastfeeding mother to position the baby, which

information regarding positioning is important for the nurse to keep in mind?
a. The cradle position is usually preferred by
mothers who had a cesarean birth.
b. Women with perineal pain and swelling
prefer the modified cradle position.
c. Whatever the position used, the infant is
belly to belly with the mother.
d. While supporting the head, the mother
should push gently on the occiput.
ANS: C
The infant naturally faces the mother, belly to belly. The football position is usually
preferred after a cesarean birth. Women with perineal pain and swelling prefer the side-
lying position because they can rest while breastfeeding. The mother should never push
on the back of the head. It may cause the baby to bite, hyperextend the neck, or develop
an aversion to being brought near the breast.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply REF: p. 610

TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity

22. Nurses should be able to teach breastfeeding mothers the signs that the
infant has correctly latched on. Which client statement indicates a poor latch?
a. I feel a firm tugging sensation on my
nipples but not pinching or pain.
b. My baby sucks with cheeks rounded, not
dimpled.
c. My babys jaw glides smoothly with
sucking.
d. I hear a clicking or smacking sound.
ANS: D
The clicking or smacking sound may indicate that the baby is having difficulty keeping
the tongue out over the lower gum ridge. The mother should hope to hear the sound of
swallowing. The tugging sensation without pinching is a good sign. Rounded cheeks are
a positive indicator of a good latch. A smoothly gliding jaw also is a good sign.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand REF: p. 611 TOP: Nursing Process:

Planning
MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
 23. The breastfeeding mother should be taught a safe method to remove the
breast from the babys mouth. Which suggestion by the nurse is most appropriate?
a. Slowly remove the breast from the babys
mouth when the infant has fallen asleep
and the jaws are relaxed.
b. Break the suction by inserting your finger
into the corner of the infants mouth.
c. A popping sound occurs when the breast
is correctly removed from the infants
mouth.
d. Elicit the Moro reflex to wake the baby
and remove the breast when the baby
cries.
ANS: B
Inserting a finger into the corner of the babys mouth between the gums to break the
suction avoids trauma to the breast. The infant who is sleeping may lose grasp on the
nipple and areola, resulting in chewing on the nipple that makes it sore. A popping sound
indicates improper removal of the breast from the babys mouth and may cause cracks or
fissures in the breast. Most mothers prefer the infant to continue to sleep after the
feeding. Gentle wake-up techniques are recommended.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply REF: p. 611

TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and
Maintenance

24. Which type of formula is not diluted with water, before being
administered to an infant?
a. Powdered
b. Concentrated
c. Ready-to-use
d. Modified cows milk
ANS: C
Ready-to-use formula can be poured directly from the can into the babys bottle and is
good (but expensive) when a proper water supply is not available. Formula should be
well mixed to dissolve the powder and make it uniform in consistency. Improper dilution
of concentrated formula may cause malnutrition or sodium imbalances. Cows milk is
more difficult for the infant to digest and is not recommended, even if it is diluted.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand REF: p. 629

TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity

25. How many kilocalories per kilogram (kcal/kg) of body weight does a
breastfed term infant require each day?
a. 50 to 65
b. 75 to 90
c. 95 to 110
d. 150 to 200
 a. 50 to 65
b. 75 to 90
c. 95 to 110
d. 150 to 200
ANS: C
For the first 3 months, the infant needs 110 kcal/kg/day. At ages 3 to 6 months, the
requirement is 100 kcal/kg/day. This level decreases slightly to 95 kcal/kg/day from 6 to
9 months and increases again to 100 kcal/kg/day until the baby reaches 12 months.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Remember REF: p. 604

TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity

26. Which action by the mother will initiate the milk ejection reflex (MER)?
a. Wearing a firm-fitting bra
b. Drinking plenty of fluids
c. Placing the infant to the breast
d. Applying cool packs to her breast
ANS: C
Oxytocin, which causes the MER reflex, increases in response to nipple stimulation. A
firm bra is important to support the breast; however, it will not initiate the MER reflex.
Drinking plenty of fluids is necessary for adequate milk production, but adequate intake
of water alone will not initiate the MER reflex. Cool packs to the breast will decrease the
MER reflex.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand REF: p. 607

TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and
Maintenance

27. As the nurse assists a new mother with breastfeeding, the client asks, If
formula is prepared to meet the nutritional needs of the newborn, what is in breast milk
that makes it better? What is the nurses best response?
a. More calories
b. Essential amino acids
c. Important immunoglobulins
d. More calcium
ANS: C
Breast milk contains immunoglobulins that protect the newborn against infection. The
calorie count of formula and breast milk is approximately the same. All the essential
amino acids are in both formula and breast milk; however, the concentrations may differ.
Calcium levels are higher in formula than in breast milk, which can cause an excessively
high renal solute load if the formula is not properly diluted.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply REF: p. 607

TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity

28. Which instruction should the nurse provide to reduce the risk of nipple
trauma?
a. Limit the feeding time to less than 5
minutes.
b. Position the infant so the nipple is far
back in the mouth.
c. Assess the nipples before each feeding.
d. Wash the nipples daily with mild soap and
water.
ANS: B
If the infants mouth does not cover as much of the areola as possible, the pressure during
sucking will be applied to the nipple, thus causing trauma to the area. Stimulating the
breast for less than 5 minutes will not produce the extra milk the infant may need and will
also limit access to the higher-fat hindmilk. Assessing the nipples for trauma is important;
however, this action alone will not prevent sore nipples. Soap can be drying to the nipples
and should be avoided during breastfeeding.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply REF: p. 624

TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity

29. A new mother asks whether she should feed her newborn colostrum,
because it is not real milk. What is the nurses most appropriate answer?
a. Colostrum is high in antibodies, protein,
vitamins, and minerals.
b. Colostrum is lower in calories than milk
and should be supplemented by formula.
c. Giving colostrum is important in helping
the mother learn how to breastfeed before
she goes home.
d. Colostrum is unnecessary for newborns.
ANS: A
Colostrum is important because it has high levels of the nutrients needed by the neonate
and helps protect against infection. Supplementation is not necessary and will decrease
stimulation to the breast and decrease the production of milk. It is important for the
mother to feel comfortable in this role before discharge; however, the importance of the
colostrum to the infant is the top priority. Colostrum provides immunities and enzymes
necessary to cleanse the gastrointestinal system, among other things.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Remember REF: p. 607

TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity

MULTIPLE RESPONSE

1. Which actions are examples of appropriate techniques to wake a sleepy

infant for breastfeeding? (Select all that apply.)
a. Unwrapping the infant
b. Changing the diaper
c. Talking to the infant
d. Slapping the infants hands and feet
e. Applying a cold towel to the infants
abdomen
 a. Unwrapping the infant
b. Changing the diaper
c. Talking to the infant
d. Slapping the infants hands and feet
e. Applying a cold towel to the infants
abdomen
ANS: A, B, C
Unwrapping the infant, changing the diaper, and talking to the infant are appropriate
techniques to use when trying to wake a sleepy infant. The parent can rub, never slap, the
infants hands or feet to wake the infant. Applying a cold towel to the infants abdomen
may lead to cold stress in the infant. The parent may want to apply a cool cloth to the
infants face to wake the infant.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply REF: p. 615

TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and
Maintenance

2. A nurse is discussing the signs and symptoms of mastitis with a mother

who is breastfeeding. Which findings should the nurse include in the discussion? (Select
all that apply.)
a. Breast tenderness
b. Warmth in the breast
c. Area of redness on the breast often
resembling the shape of a pie wedge
d. Small white blister on the tip of the nipple
e. Fever and flulike symptoms
ANS: A, B, C, E
Breast tenderness, warmth in the breast, redness on the breast, and fever and flulike
symptoms are commonly associated with mastitis and should be included in the nurses
discussion of mastitis. A small white blister on the tip of the nipple generally is not
associated with mastitis but is commonly seen in women who have a plugged milk duct.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze REF: p. 625 TOP: Nursing Process:

Planning
MSC: Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity

3. The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative endorsed by the World Health

Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) was founded to
encourage institutions to offer optimal levels of care for lactating mothers. Which actions
are included in the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding for Hospitals? (Select all that
apply.)
a. Give newborns no food or drink other
than breast milk.
b. Have a written breastfeeding policy that is
communicated to all staff members.
c. Help mothers initiate breastfeeding within
hour of childbirth.
d. Give artificial teats or pacifiers as
necessary.
e. Return infants to the nursery at night.
 a. Give newborns no food or drink other
than breast milk.
b. Have a written breastfeeding policy that is
communicated to all staff members.
c. Help mothers initiate breastfeeding within
hour of childbirth.
d. Give artificial teats or pacifiers as
necessary.
e. Return infants to the nursery at night.
ANS: A, B, C
No artificial teats or pacifiers (also called dummies or soothers) should be given to
breastfeeding infants. Although pacifiers have been linked to a reduction in SIDs, they
should not be introduced until the infant is 3 to 4 weeks old and breastfeeding is well
established. No other food or drink should be given to the newborn unless medically
indicated. The breastfeeding policy should be routinely communicated to all health care
staff members. All staff should be trained in the skills necessary to maintain this policy.
Breastfeeding should be initiated within hour of childbirth, and all mothers need to be
shown how to maintain lactation even if separated from their babies. The facility should
practice rooming in and keep mothers and babies together 24 hours a day.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply REF: p. 608

TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: Client Needs: Safe and Effective Care Environment

4. Which statements concerning the benefits or limitations of breastfeeding

are accurate? (Select all that apply.)
a. Breast milk changes over time to meet the
changing needs as infants grow.
b. Breastfeeding increases the risk of
childhood obesity.
c. Breast milk and breastfeeding may
enhance cognitive development.
d. Long-term studies have shown that the
benefits of breast milk continue after the
infant is weaned.
e. Benefits to the infant include a reduced
incidence of SIDS.
ANS: A, C, D, E
Breastfeeding actually decreases the risk of childhood obesity. Human milk is the perfect
food for human infants. Breast milk changes over time to meet the demands of the
growing infant. Scientific evidence is clear that human milk provides the best nutrients
for infants with continued benefits long after weaning. Fatty acids in breast milk promote
brain growth and development and may lead to enhanced cognition. Infants who are
breastfed experience a reduced incidence of SIDS.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand REF: p. 602 TOP: Nursing Process:

Planning
MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
 5. The AAP recommends pasteurized donor milk for preterm infants if the
mothers own milk in not available. Which statements regarding donor milk and milk
banking are important for the nurse to understand and communicate to her client? (Select
all that apply.)
a. All milk bank donors are screened for
communicable diseases.
b. Internet milk sharing is an acceptable
source for donor milk.
c. Donor milk may be given to transplant
clients.
d. Donor milk is used in neonatal intensive
care units (NICUs) for severely low-birth-
weight infants only.
e. Donor milk may be used for children with
immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiencies.
ANS: A, C, E
Because of the antiinfective and growth promotion properties for donor milk, donor milk
is highly recommended for preterm and sick infants, as well as for term newborns.
Human donor milk has also been used for older children with short gut syndrome,
immunodeficiencies, metabolic disorders, or congenital anomalies. Human donor milk
has also been used in the adult populationposttransplant clients and for those with
colitis, ulcers, or cirrhosis of the liver. Some mothers acquire milk through Internet-based
or community-based milk sharing. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has
issued a warning regarding this practice. Samples of milk from these sources are higher
in contaminants and infectious disease. A milk bank that belongs to the Human Milk
Banking Association of North America should always be used for donor milk. All donors
are scrupulously screened, and the milk is tested to determine its safety for use.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze REF: pp. 619-620

TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and
Maintenance