ATI Nursing Care of Children Related

Review ATI Nursing Care of Children related questions and content

The caregiver asks why the 6-month-old infant needs to have solid foods when breast milk is such a good source of nutrition. What would be the best response by the nurse?

  • A. Solid foods, especially iron-fortified cereals, are introduced to meet the infant's increased nutritional needs, including iron, which breast milk alone may not provide adequately.
  • B. The extrusion reflex must be developed and feeding solid foods will help the infant to develop this reflex.
  • C. Breastfeeding will become painful when the infant gets more teeth, so the infant needs to eat solid foods.
  • D. By this age the infant becomes interested in trying new skills.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct response is A. Solid foods, especially iron-fortified cereals, are introduced to meet the infant's increased nutritional needs, including iron, which breast milk alone may not provide adequately. Choice B is incorrect because the extrusion reflex is related to the tongue-thrust reflex, not the nutritional needs of the infant. Choice C is incorrect as breastfeeding does not become painful when the infant gets more teeth, and it is not a reason for introducing solid foods. Choice D is incorrect as the infant's interest in trying new skills is not a primary reason for introducing solid foods at this age.