Pediatric HESI 2024 Related

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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: Gavage feedings are necessary for infants with congenital heart defects to conserve the infant's energy by eliminating the need for sucking. This is important because sucking requires energy expenditure, which can be taxing for infants with cardiac defects. Choice A is incorrect as gavage feedings do not primarily limit the chance of vomiting. Choice B is incorrect because the speed of feeding administration is not the primary reason for using gavage feedings in this case. Choice D is incorrect as the regulation of the quantity of nutritional liquid is not the main purpose of gavage feedings in infants with congenital heart defects.