A mother delivers an infant at 30 weeks gestation. The mother asks the nurse for information on nutrition and if formula would be better since the baby is premature. What is the foundation for the response to the mother by the nurse?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Human milk is the preferred food for infants, including preterm infants. It contains essential ingredients necessary for the infant's growth and development. The mother should pump her breasts to provide milk for the infant if the child is receiving enteral feedings. Once the infant can coordinate breathing, sucking, and swallowing, breastfeeding directly is encouraged. Studies have shown that preterm infants fed fortified human milk have better outcomes compared to those fed commercial infant formulas. Commercial infant formulas may not fully meet the unique nutritional needs of preterm infants, leading to potential longer hospital stays. Therefore, human milk is the best choice for feeding premature infants.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Growth restriction in weight, length, and chest and head circumference. Infants born to mothers who smoke during pregnancy exhibit growth failure in weight, length, chest, and head circumference. This growth failure is directly related to the number of cigarettes smoked by the mother. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because infants exposed to maternal smoking do not tend to be large for gestational age, experience growth restriction in weight only, or be preterm but size appropriate for gestational age.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because sitting steadily typically occurs closer to 6-8 months of age, not 3 or 4 months. Choice A is incorrect because sitting ability and the age of first tooth eruption are not related. Choice B and C are incorrect as most infants do not sit steadily at 3 or 4 months, and it is more common for infants to achieve this milestone around 6-8 months.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A total weight gain of 15 lb in one year for a 2-year-old is excessive and may indicate an underlying issue such as a metabolic disorder or overfeeding. This rapid weight gain can put the child at risk for health problems. Choices A, B, and C are not typically concerning findings in a 2-year-old. A prominent abdomen can be normal at this age due to a toddler's slightly protruding belly, a forward curve of the spine at the sacral area is a typical finding in young children, and an increase in height of 5 inches in a year is within the expected range of growth for a 2-year-old.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Introducing new foods gradually and offering a variety of options is a suitable nutritional goal for preschool-aged children as it helps in providing essential nutrients and expanding their palate. Choice A is incorrect as reducing messiness and spills is more related to behavior than nutrition. Choice C is incorrect as forcing a child to finish all the food on the plate may override their natural hunger and fullness cues. Choice D is incorrect as allowing a child to eat only preferred foods may lead to an imbalanced diet lacking in essential nutrients.