Pediatric NCLEX Questions Related

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Which is an important nursing consideration in the care of the newborn with PKU?

  • A. Suggest ways to make formula more palatable.
  • B. Teach proper administration of phenylalanine hydroxylase.
  • C. Encourage the breastfeeding mother to adhere to a low-phenylalanine diet.
  • D. Give reassurance that dietary restrictions are a temporary inconvenience.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Encouraging the breastfeeding mother to adhere to a low-phenylalanine diet is an important nursing consideration in the care of the newborn with PKU. Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inborn error of metabolism in which the body cannot metabolize phenylalanine properly. If a newborn with PKU consumes formula or breast milk that contains high levels of phenylalanine, it can lead to severe intellectual disability and other health complications. By encouraging the breastfeeding mother to follow a low-phenylalanine diet, the newborn's exposure to phenylalanine can be minimized, helping to prevent the negative effects of PKU.