A 2-month-old infant cries up to 4 hours each day and, according to the parents, is inconsolable during crying episodes with fists and legs noted to be tense and stiff. The infant is breastfeeding frequently but is often fussy during feedings. The physical exam is normal and the infant is gaining weight normally. What will the primary care pediatric nurse practitioner recommend?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The infant's symptoms are consistent with colic, which can be exacerbated by certain foods in the mother's diet. The primary care pediatric nurse practitioner should recommend that the mother eliminate potentially offending foods, such as dairy and caffeine, from her diet for a trial period to see if there is improvement in the infant's symptoms. A complete work-up and medication treatment are not typically indicated for colic. Stopping breastfeeding and switching to a hydrolyzed formula would not address the underlying issue and could potentially lead to further feeding difficulties.

A 2-Month-Old Infant Cries Up to 4 Hours Each Day