Wongs Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank Related

Review Wongs Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank related questions and content

Which is the most appropriate nursing action when intermittently gavage-feeding a preterm newborn?

  • A. Allow formula to flow by gravity.
  • B. Insert tube through nares rather than mouth.
  • C. Avoid letting newborn suck on tube.
  • D. Apply steady pressure to syringe to deliver formula to stomach in a timely manner.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate nursing action when intermittently gavage-feeding a preterm newborn is to avoid letting the newborn suck on the tube. Preterm infants are at risk for disorganized feeding patterns and can develop a non-nutritive sucking habit when the tube is in their mouth. Allowing them to suck on the tube can lead to difficulty transitioning to oral feeding once they are ready, as they may associate feeding with the tube rather than with proper suckling at the breast or bottle. Therefore, it is important to prevent non-nutritive sucking during gavage feedings to promote successful oral feeding later on.