Pediatric HESI 2024 Related

Review Pediatric HESI 2024 related questions and content

An infant with a congenital heart defect is being given gavage feedings. The parents ask the nurse why this is necessary. How should the nurse respond?

  • A. It limits the chance of vomiting.
  • B. It allows the feeding to be administered rapidly.
  • C. The energy that would have been expended on sucking is conserved.
  • D. The quantity of nutritional liquid can be regulated better than with a bottle.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'The energy that would have been expended on sucking is conserved.' Gavage feedings are necessary for infants with congenital heart defects as they help conserve the infant's energy by eliminating the need for sucking, which can be taxing for infants with cardiac issues. Choice A is incorrect because gavage feedings are not primarily used to limit vomiting. Choice B is incorrect as the speed of administration is not the main reason for gavage feedings in this case. Choice D is incorrect because the regulation of the quantity of nutritional liquid is not the primary rationale for gavage feedings in infants with congenital heart defects.