A nurse is providing teaching about formula feeding to the parents of an infant. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Choice A reason: Formula should not be changed to whole milk until the infant is 12 months old, as whole milk does not provide enough iron and other nutrients for the infant's growth and development. Whole milk can also cause intestinal bleeding and increase the risk of allergies in infants younger than 12 months.

Choice B reason: Formula that remains in the bottle should not be used for another feeding, as it can harbor bacteria and cause infection. Any formula that is not consumed within one hour of preparation or feeding should be discarded.

Choice C reason: If the infant turns away after taking most of the feeding, it is a sign that the infant is full and satisfied. The nurse should instruct the parents to stop the feeding and burp the infant. Forcing the infant to finish the bottle can cause overfeeding and vomiting.

Choice D reason: If the infant is gaining weight too rapidly, diluting the formula is not a safe or effective solution. Diluting the formula can cause water intoxication, electrolyte imbalance, and malnutrition in the infant. The nurse should advise the parents to consult with the infant's doctor about the appropriate amount and type of formula for the infant.

Choice A reason: Drinking orange juice with iron supplements can increase absorption, not decrease it. Orange juice is rich in vitamin C, which enhances the absorption of non-heme iron, the type of iron found in plant foods and supplements. The nurse should advise the client to take iron supplements with a source of vitamin C, such as orange juice, strawberries, or tomatoes.

Choice B reason: Cooking in a stainless steel skillet does not increase the amount of iron in the food. Stainless steel is not a good conductor of iron and does not leach iron into the food. The nurse should suggest the client to use a cast iron skillet instead, which can add iron to the food, especially acidic foods like tomatoes or citrus fruits.

Choice C reason: Drinking iced tea with meals can decrease the amount of iron absorbed, not increase it. Iced tea contains tannins, which are compounds that bind to iron and inhibit its absorption. The nurse should recommend the client to avoid drinking tea, coffee, or other beverages that contain tannins with meals, and to drink them between meals instead.

Choice D reason: Fish and poultry are primary sources of heme iron, which is the type of iron found in animal foods and is more easily absorbed by the body. The nurse should encourage the client to eat more foods that are high in heme iron, such as fish, poultry, meat, and eggs.