An infant with a congenital heart defect is being discharged home until the infant reaches an appropriate weight for the corrective surgery. The nurse would teach the parents infant feeding techniques including:
A)Breastfeed if possible.
B)Complete each feeding within 30 minutes.
C)Position the infant flat to promote swallowing.
D)Dilute the formula with extra water to ensure adequate fluid intake.
E)Burp the infant frequently.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Infants with congenital heart defects often have difficulty feeding and may tire easily. A) Breastfeeding is encouraged if possible because it is easily digestible and provides optimal nutrition. B) Completing each feeding within 30 minutes helps prevent the infant from expending too much energy on feeding, which is crucial for those with heart defects. E) Burping the infant frequently can help prevent the intake of excess air, which might cause discomfort and further complicate feeding issues. Positioning the infant flat (C) is incorrect because it can increase the risk of aspiration; a semi-upright position is generally recommended. Diluting formula with extra water (D) is incorrect and dangerous, as it can lead to electrolyte imbalances and inadequate nutrition.

An Infant with a Congenital Heart Defect Is Being Discharged