A client with a newborn diagnosed with congenital heart disease asks the nurse about the baby's feeding patterns. What should the nurse explain about feeding difficulties in infants with heart defects?

A) This option is incorrect. Family history of congenital heart diseases is a significant risk factor. If a close family member has had a congenital heart defect, the risk of recurrence in subsequent pregnancies may be higher.

B) Correct answer. Exposure to certain infections during pregnancy, such as rubella (German measles), can increase the risk of congenital heart diseases in the baby. Rubella is known to be teratogenic, meaning it can cause birth defects.

C) This option is incorrect. While a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy is important for overall maternal and fetal health, it is not the primary risk factor for congenital heart diseases.

D) This option is incorrect. While genetic factors play a significant role in the etiology of congenital heart diseases, there are other identifiable risk factors, as mentioned in option B.

A) Incorrect. Not all medications can be crushed, and mixing them with the infant's formula may affect their efficacy. Crushing medications should only be done when it is safe and appropriate, as determined by the healthcare provider.

B) Incorrect. Administering medications simultaneously may not be feasible or safe, as some medications require specific intervals between doses. The nurse should follow the prescribed administration schedule to ensure appropriate drug levels in the infant's system.

C) The answer is C. Using a medication organizer can help the nurse and the infant's parents keep track of the complex medication schedule. This helps prevent missed doses and ensures proper administration of each medication.

D) Incorrect. The nurse, along with the healthcare provider, should determine the medication dosing times based on the infant's condition and the prescribed schedule. Leaving the decision solely to the parents may lead to dosing errors or missed doses.