The mother of a 6-month-old infant has returned to work and is expressing breast milk to be frozen. She asks for directions on how to safely thaw the breast milk in the microwave. What should the nurse recommend?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of nursing care of children, it is crucial to provide accurate information to parents regarding infant feeding practices. In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Do not thaw or heat breast milk in a microwave oven. Thawing or heating breast milk in a microwave can lead to uneven heating, which can create hot spots that can burn the baby's mouth. It can also destroy valuable nutrients and antibodies present in breast milk. Therefore, it is essential to educate parents to avoid using a microwave for thawing or heating breast milk. Option A) Heat only 10 oz or more is incorrect because the amount of breast milk being heated does not determine the safety of using a microwave. Option C) Always leave the bottle top uncovered to allow heat to escape is incorrect as it does not address the safety concerns associated with using a microwave to heat breast milk. Option D) Shake the bottle vigorously for at least 30 seconds after heating is incorrect as shaking the bottle after heating will not mitigate the risks associated with using a microwave. Educationally, it is important to teach parents proper techniques for handling and preparing breast milk to ensure the safety and well-being of their infants. By advising against using a microwave for thawing or heating breast milk, nurses can help parents make informed decisions that promote the health of their children.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of introducing solid foods to an infant's diet, option B - 4 to 6 months is the correct answer. This is based on current recommendations from major pediatric organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics. Introducing solid foods too early, as in option A (2 to 3 months), can increase the risk of developing food allergies and may not be developmentally appropriate for the infant's digestive system. Waiting until 4 to 6 months allows the infant's digestive system to mature and reduces the risk of adverse reactions to solid foods. Option C, waiting until birth weight has tripled, is not a reliable indicator for introducing solid foods as weight gain can vary greatly among infants. Option D, waiting for tooth eruption, is also not a reliable indicator as the presence of teeth does not necessarily correlate with an infant's readiness for solid foods. Educationally, it is important for nurses caring for children to be aware of evidence-based guidelines for infant nutrition to provide safe and appropriate care. Understanding the rationale behind the timing of introducing solid foods can help prevent potential health risks and promote optimal growth and development in infants.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) The infant may need to begin taking them at age 6 months. Fluoride supplements are recommended for infants who are exclusively breastfed beyond 6 months of age and who live in areas where the water supply is not fluoridated. This is because breast milk is low in fluoride, and without a supplemental source, the infant may be at risk for developing dental caries due to insufficient fluoride intake. Option A is incorrect because starting fluoride supplements at 2 weeks is too early and not necessary. Option B is incorrect because it assumes the infant's fluoride intake is solely dependent on the mother's water source, which may not provide enough fluoride. Option D is incorrect as giving infant cereal mixed with fluoridated water is not a recommended alternative to fluoride supplements due to the risk of early introduction of solid foods and the potential for excess water intake in infants. Educationally, understanding the role of fluoride in dental health and its supplementation in infants is crucial for nurses caring for pediatric patients. It is essential to be aware of the specific guidelines regarding fluoride supplementation in exclusively breastfed infants to provide accurate and appropriate information to parents.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Keep buttons, beads, and other small objects out of his reach. This advice is crucial for injury prevention in infants due to the risk of choking hazards. Infants explore the world through mouthing objects, and small items can easily be swallowed and cause choking. By keeping small objects out of reach, parents can significantly reduce the risk of choking incidents. Option B) Do not permit him to chew paint from window ledges because he might absorb too much lead is incorrect because while lead exposure is a concern, it is not as immediate or common a risk as choking hazards for infants during their early months. Option C) When he learns to roll over, you must supervise him whenever he is on a surface from which he might fall is incorrect as it pertains more to the developmental milestone of rolling over rather than general injury prevention advice. Option D) Lock the crib sides securely because he may stand and lean against them and fall out of bed is incorrect as it addresses a specific scenario of crib safety rather than the broader concept of general injury prevention. Educationally, it is essential for nurses to provide parents with practical and relevant advice on injury prevention tailored to the developmental stage of the child. Understanding common risks and implementing preventive measures is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of infants.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Hot dogs must be cut into small, irregular pieces to prevent aspiration. The educational rationale behind this is rooted in the principles of pediatric safety and preventing choking hazards. Hot dogs, when not cut into small, irregular pieces, can pose a significant risk of aspiration and choking for young children, especially those under the age of 3 due to their cylindrical shape and texture. Option A is incorrect because it does not address the specific safety issue related to hot dogs. Option B is also incorrect as it does not provide a practical solution to mitigate the risk associated with hot dog consumption. Option C is partially correct in highlighting the need for slicing hot dogs but lacks specificity in terms of the size and shape required to prevent aspiration effectively. Educationally, this question emphasizes the importance of understanding age-appropriate feeding practices and food safety measures in pediatric nursing. Nurses play a crucial role in educating parents about safe feeding practices to prevent choking incidents and ensure the well-being of children. It highlights the practical application of knowledge in promoting child safety and health in everyday situations.