RN Nursing Care of Children Online Practice 2019 A Related

Review RN Nursing Care of Children Online Practice 2019 A related questions and content

A mother delivers an infant at 30 weeks gestation. The mother asks the nurse for information on nutrition and if formula would be better since the baby is premature. What is the foundation for the response to the mother by the nurse?

  • A. Human milk is preferred over other types of nutrition.
  • B. Human milk lacks essential nutrients when the infant is preterm.
  • C. Commercial infant formulas are preferred over other types of nutrition.
  • D. Commercial infant formulas have not been designed to meet the nutritional needs of preterm infants.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Human milk is the preferred food for infants, including preterm infants. It contains essential ingredients necessary for the infant's growth and development. The mother should pump her breasts to provide milk for the infant if the child is receiving enteral feedings. Once the infant can coordinate breathing, sucking, and swallowing, breastfeeding directly is encouraged. Studies have shown that preterm infants fed fortified human milk have better outcomes compared to those fed commercial infant formulas. Commercial infant formulas may not fully meet the unique nutritional needs of preterm infants, leading to potential longer hospital stays. Therefore, human milk is the best choice for feeding premature infants.