Chapter 25: Newborn Nutrition and Feeding
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A new mother recalls from prenatal class that she should try to feed her newborn daughter
when she exhibits feeding readiness cues rather than waiting until the baby is frantically
crying. Which feeding cue would indicate that the baby is ready to eat?
a. Waves her arms in the air
b. Makes sucking motions
c. Has the hiccups
d. Stretches out her legs straight
ANS: B
Sucking motions, rooting, mouthing, and hand-to-mouth motions are examples of feeding
readiness cues. Waving her arms in the air, having the hiccups, and stretching out her
extremities are not typical feeding readiness cues.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
2. A pregnant woman wants to breastfeed her infant; however, her partner is not convinced
that there are any scientific reasons to do so. The nurse can give the couple printed
information comparing breastfeeding and bottle feeding. Which statement regarding bottle
feeding using commerciallyNpUrR epSarI
edNiG
nfTanBt.foCrm
OuMlas might influence their choice?
a. Bottle feeding using a commercially prepared formula increases the risk that the
infant will develop allergies.
b. Bottle feeding helps the infant sleep through the night.
c. Commercially prepared formula ensures that the infant is getting iron in a form
that is easily absorbed.
d. Bottle feeding requires that multivitamin supplements be given to the infant.
ANS: A
Exposure to cow’s milk poses a risk of developing allergies, eczema, and asthma. Newborns
should be fed during the night, regardless of the feeding method. Iron is better absorbed
from breast milk than from formula. Commercial formulas are designed to meet the
nutritional needs of the infant and to resemble breast milk. No supplements are necessary.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply
TOP: Nursing Process: Diagnosis
MSC: Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity, Basic Care and Comfort
3. A postpartum woman telephones the provider regarding her 5-day-old infant. The client is
not scheduled for another weight check until the infant is 14 days old. The new mother is
worried about whether breastfeeding is going well. Which statement indicates that
breastfeeding is effective for meeting the infant’s nutritional needs?
a. Sleeps for 6 hours at a time between feedings
b. Has at least one breast milk stool every 24 hours
, c. Gains 1 to 2 ounces per week
d. Has 3 bowel movements and eight wet diapers per day
ANS: D
After day 4, when the mother’s milk comes in, the infant should have six to eight wet
diapers every 24 hours. Typically, infants sleep 2 to 4 hours between feedings, depending on
whether they are being fed on a 2- to 3-hour schedule or cluster-fed. The infant’s sleep
pattern is not an indication whether the infant is breastfeeding well. The infant should have a
minimum of three bowel movements in a 24-hour period. Breastfed infants typically gain 15
to 30 g/day.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand
TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation
MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
4. A primiparous woman is delighted with her newborn son and wants to begin breastfeeding
as soon as possible. How should the client be instructed to position the infant to facilitate
correct latch-on?
a. The infant should be positioned with his or her arms folded together over the chest.
b. The infant should be curled up in a fetal position.
c. The woman should cup the infant’s head in her hand.
d. The infant’s head and body should be in alignment with the mother.
ANS: D
The infant’s head and body should be in correct alignment with the mother and the breast
during latch-on and feeding. The infant should be facing the mother with his arms hugging
the breast. The baby’s body should be held in correct alignment (i.e., ears, shoulder, and
NUfee
hips in a straight line) during RS INs.GTTheB.motO
ding her should support the baby’s neck and
shoulders with her hand and not push on the occiput.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
5. A breastfeeding woman develops engorged breasts at 3 days postpartum. What action will
help this client achieve her goal of reducing the engorgement?
a. Skip feedings to enable her sore breasts to rest.
b. Avoid using a breast pump.
c. Breastfeed her infant every 2-3 hours.
d. Reduce her fluid intake for 24 hours.
ANS: C
The mother should be instructed to attempt feeding her infant every 2-3 hours while
massaging the breasts as the infant is feeding. Skipping feedings may cause further swelling
and discomfort. If the infant does not adequately feed and empty the breast, then the mother
may pump to extract the milk and relieve some of the discomfort. Dehydration further
irritates swollen breast tissue.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity
, 6. At a 2-month well-baby examination, it was discovered that an exclusively breastfed infant
had only gained 10 ounces in the past 4 weeks. The mother and the nurse develop a feeding
plan for the infant to increase his weight gain. Which change in dietary management will
assist the client in meeting this goal?
a. Begin solid foods.
b. Have a bottle of formula after every feeding.
c. Have one extra breastfeeding session every 24 hours.
d. Start iron supplements.
ANS: C
Usually the solution to slow weight gain is to improve the feeding technique which includes
adding an extra session every day . Position and the latch-on technique are evaluated, and
adjustments are made. Adding a feeding or two within a 24-hour period might help. Solid
foods should not be introduced to an infant for at least 4 to 6 months. Bottle feeding may
cause nipple confusion and may limit the supply of milk. Iron supplements have no bearing
on weight gain.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning | Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity
7. Parents have been asked by the neonatologist to provide breast milk for their newborn son,
who was born prematurely at 32 weeks of gestation. The nurse who instructs them regarding
pumping, storing, and transporting the milk needs to assess their knowledge of lactation.
Which statement is a valid basis for the instructions?
a. Premature infants moreNeUasR
ilySI
digNeG
stT
bB
re.
asC
t mMilk than formula.
b. A glass of wine just before pumping will help reduce stress and anxiety.
c. The mother should only pump as much milk as the infant can drink.
d. The mother should pump every 2 to 3 hours, including during the night.
ANS: A
Human milk is the ideal food for preterm infants, with benefits that are unique, in addition
to those benefits received by full-term, healthy infants. Greater physiologic stability occurs
with breastfeeding, compared with formula feeding. Consumption of alcohol during
lactation is approached with caution. Excessive amounts can have serious effects on the
infant and can adversely affect the mother’s milk ejection reflex. To establish an optimal
milk supply, the most appropriate instruction for the mother should be to pump 8 to 10 times
a day for 10 to 15 minutes on each breast.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze
TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation
MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
8. The nurse is evaluating the new mother’s knowledge about appropriate infant bottle feeding
techniques. Which statement by the client reassures the nurse that correct learning has taken
place?
a. “Since reaching 2 weeks of age, I add rice cereal to my daughter’s formula to
ensure adequate nutrition.”
b. “I warm the bottle in my microwave oven.”
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A new mother recalls from prenatal class that she should try to feed her newborn daughter
when she exhibits feeding readiness cues rather than waiting until the baby is frantically
crying. Which feeding cue would indicate that the baby is ready to eat?
a. Waves her arms in the air
b. Makes sucking motions
c. Has the hiccups
d. Stretches out her legs straight
ANS: B
Sucking motions, rooting, mouthing, and hand-to-mouth motions are examples of feeding
readiness cues. Waving her arms in the air, having the hiccups, and stretching out her
extremities are not typical feeding readiness cues.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
2. A pregnant woman wants to breastfeed her infant; however, her partner is not convinced
that there are any scientific reasons to do so. The nurse can give the couple printed
information comparing breastfeeding and bottle feeding. Which statement regarding bottle
feeding using commerciallyNpUrR epSarI
edNiG
nfTanBt.foCrm
OuMlas might influence their choice?
a. Bottle feeding using a commercially prepared formula increases the risk that the
infant will develop allergies.
b. Bottle feeding helps the infant sleep through the night.
c. Commercially prepared formula ensures that the infant is getting iron in a form
that is easily absorbed.
d. Bottle feeding requires that multivitamin supplements be given to the infant.
ANS: A
Exposure to cow’s milk poses a risk of developing allergies, eczema, and asthma. Newborns
should be fed during the night, regardless of the feeding method. Iron is better absorbed
from breast milk than from formula. Commercial formulas are designed to meet the
nutritional needs of the infant and to resemble breast milk. No supplements are necessary.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply
TOP: Nursing Process: Diagnosis
MSC: Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity, Basic Care and Comfort
3. A postpartum woman telephones the provider regarding her 5-day-old infant. The client is
not scheduled for another weight check until the infant is 14 days old. The new mother is
worried about whether breastfeeding is going well. Which statement indicates that
breastfeeding is effective for meeting the infant’s nutritional needs?
a. Sleeps for 6 hours at a time between feedings
b. Has at least one breast milk stool every 24 hours
, c. Gains 1 to 2 ounces per week
d. Has 3 bowel movements and eight wet diapers per day
ANS: D
After day 4, when the mother’s milk comes in, the infant should have six to eight wet
diapers every 24 hours. Typically, infants sleep 2 to 4 hours between feedings, depending on
whether they are being fed on a 2- to 3-hour schedule or cluster-fed. The infant’s sleep
pattern is not an indication whether the infant is breastfeeding well. The infant should have a
minimum of three bowel movements in a 24-hour period. Breastfed infants typically gain 15
to 30 g/day.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand
TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation
MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
4. A primiparous woman is delighted with her newborn son and wants to begin breastfeeding
as soon as possible. How should the client be instructed to position the infant to facilitate
correct latch-on?
a. The infant should be positioned with his or her arms folded together over the chest.
b. The infant should be curled up in a fetal position.
c. The woman should cup the infant’s head in her hand.
d. The infant’s head and body should be in alignment with the mother.
ANS: D
The infant’s head and body should be in correct alignment with the mother and the breast
during latch-on and feeding. The infant should be facing the mother with his arms hugging
the breast. The baby’s body should be held in correct alignment (i.e., ears, shoulder, and
NUfee
hips in a straight line) during RS INs.GTTheB.motO
ding her should support the baby’s neck and
shoulders with her hand and not push on the occiput.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
5. A breastfeeding woman develops engorged breasts at 3 days postpartum. What action will
help this client achieve her goal of reducing the engorgement?
a. Skip feedings to enable her sore breasts to rest.
b. Avoid using a breast pump.
c. Breastfeed her infant every 2-3 hours.
d. Reduce her fluid intake for 24 hours.
ANS: C
The mother should be instructed to attempt feeding her infant every 2-3 hours while
massaging the breasts as the infant is feeding. Skipping feedings may cause further swelling
and discomfort. If the infant does not adequately feed and empty the breast, then the mother
may pump to extract the milk and relieve some of the discomfort. Dehydration further
irritates swollen breast tissue.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity
, 6. At a 2-month well-baby examination, it was discovered that an exclusively breastfed infant
had only gained 10 ounces in the past 4 weeks. The mother and the nurse develop a feeding
plan for the infant to increase his weight gain. Which change in dietary management will
assist the client in meeting this goal?
a. Begin solid foods.
b. Have a bottle of formula after every feeding.
c. Have one extra breastfeeding session every 24 hours.
d. Start iron supplements.
ANS: C
Usually the solution to slow weight gain is to improve the feeding technique which includes
adding an extra session every day . Position and the latch-on technique are evaluated, and
adjustments are made. Adding a feeding or two within a 24-hour period might help. Solid
foods should not be introduced to an infant for at least 4 to 6 months. Bottle feeding may
cause nipple confusion and may limit the supply of milk. Iron supplements have no bearing
on weight gain.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning | Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity
7. Parents have been asked by the neonatologist to provide breast milk for their newborn son,
who was born prematurely at 32 weeks of gestation. The nurse who instructs them regarding
pumping, storing, and transporting the milk needs to assess their knowledge of lactation.
Which statement is a valid basis for the instructions?
a. Premature infants moreNeUasR
ilySI
digNeG
stT
bB
re.
asC
t mMilk than formula.
b. A glass of wine just before pumping will help reduce stress and anxiety.
c. The mother should only pump as much milk as the infant can drink.
d. The mother should pump every 2 to 3 hours, including during the night.
ANS: A
Human milk is the ideal food for preterm infants, with benefits that are unique, in addition
to those benefits received by full-term, healthy infants. Greater physiologic stability occurs
with breastfeeding, compared with formula feeding. Consumption of alcohol during
lactation is approached with caution. Excessive amounts can have serious effects on the
infant and can adversely affect the mother’s milk ejection reflex. To establish an optimal
milk supply, the most appropriate instruction for the mother should be to pump 8 to 10 times
a day for 10 to 15 minutes on each breast.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze
TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation
MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
8. The nurse is evaluating the new mother’s knowledge about appropriate infant bottle feeding
techniques. Which statement by the client reassures the nurse that correct learning has taken
place?
a. “Since reaching 2 weeks of age, I add rice cereal to my daughter’s formula to
ensure adequate nutrition.”
b. “I warm the bottle in my microwave oven.”
