Parents of a child with Down syndrome ask the nurse about techniques for introducing solid food to their 8-month-old child's diet. The nurse should give the parents which priority instruction?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Down syndrome children have a protruding tongue which can interfere with feeding, especially of solid foods. Parents need to know that the tongue thrust is not an indication of refusal to feed but a physiologic response. Parents are advised to use a small but long, straight-handled spoon to push the food toward the back and side of the mouth. If food is thrust out, it should be re-fed. Six months is the time to introduce solid foods to a child, so waiting 2 to 3 months is inappropriate. Small frequent feedings should be initiated to prevent the child from tiring. Three times a day is too infrequent.

Parents of a Child with Down Syndrome Ask the Nurse