A nurse is preparing to bottle feed a newborn who is formula fed.

Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

The child has frequent temper tantrums.This is because temper tantrums are not a normal part of a 3-year-old child’s development and can indicate emotional or behavioral problems.According to the height and weight chart for children, a 3-year-old child should be able to do the following:

• Speak in three-word sentences

• Copy a circle with a crayon

• Ride a tricycle using pedals

Therefore, choices A, B and C are wrong because they are expected developmental milestones for a 3-year-old child.

A nurse should collect data from the child and the parents to determine the cause and frequency of the temper tantrums and provide appropriate interventions and referrals.

Hold the newborn in a semi-upright position during feeding.This prevents the formula from flowing back into the baby’s ears and causing infections.It also helps the baby swallow less air and reduces the risk of choking.

Choice A is wrong because warming the formula in a microwave oven can create hot spots that can burn the baby’s mouth.The formula should be warmed by running it under warm tap water or placing it in a bowl of warm water.

Choice B is wrong because discarding any unused formula after 2 hours at room temperature is too long.Bacteria can grow rapidly in warm milk that is left sitting out and unused.The formula should be discarded after one hour at room temperature or within 24 hours if refrigerated.

Choice D is wrong because burping the newborn after finishing each ounce of formula is not necessary.Burping can interrupt the feeding and make the baby lose interest in finishing the bottle.The baby should be burped only when they show signs of discomfort or after finishing the feeding.

Normal ranges for formula intake vary depending on the baby’s age, weight and appetite.In general, newborn babies need around 150 to 200 ml per kilo of their weight a day until they’re 6 months old.The baby should be fed when they show signs of hunger, such as rooting, sucking or crying, and not forced to finish the bottle if they are full.