A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is experiencing preterm contractions and dehydration. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

Choice A reason: Supplementing breastfeedings with water every 12 hours is not advised for newborns, as breast milk provides complete hydration and nutrition. Water can reduce milk intake, decreasing supply due to reduced demand. It risks electrolyte imbalances, like hyponatremia, in infants with immature kidneys. Exclusive breastfeeding for six months supports optimal growth, immune function, and maternal-infant bonding, making this recommendation inappropriate.
Choice B reason: Offering the breast at hunger cues, such as rooting or hand-sucking, supports demand-driven breastfeeding, which stimulates prolactin and oxytocin for milk production. This ensures adequate supply, promotes healthy weight gain, and aligns with the infant’s natural feeding rhythm. It prevents over- or under-feeding, fostering neonatal development and strengthening the maternal-infant bond, making this the correct advice.
Choice C reason: Limiting feeding to 10 minutes per breast can prevent adequate hindmilk transfer, which is high in fat and calories, essential for growth. Short sessions may reduce milk supply due to insufficient stimulation. Infants need variable feeding times to meet nutritional needs. This restriction risks poor weight gain and inadequate nutrition, indicating it’s not a suitable recommendation.
Choice D reason: Starting each feeding with the same breast can cause imbalanced milk production, as one breast may be understimulated, reducing overall supply. Alternating breasts ensures both are drained, supporting balanced lactation and preventing engorgement or mastitis. This practice maintains milk supply via prolactin release, making this advice incorrect for optimal breastfeeding.

Choice A reason: Discussing the prescription with the provider is critical, as amoxicillin, a penicillin derivative, is contraindicated in clients with penicillin allergies due to risk of anaphylaxis. This ensures patient safety by verifying or correcting the order, aligning with nursing advocacy and safety protocols, making it correct.
Choice B reason: Administering amoxicillin to a client with a penicillin allergy risks severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, violating patient safety principles. Nurses must verify contraindicated orders before administration, making this action dangerous and incorrect in this scenario.
Choice C reason: Placing an incident report is premature, as no error has occurred yet. The nurse’s role is to prevent harm by addressing the contraindicated prescription proactively. This action does not resolve the issue and is inappropriate as the first step, making it incorrect.
Choice D reason: Calling the pharmacist for clarification is less direct than discussing with the provider, who issued the order. While pharmacists can provide guidance, the provider must confirm or change the prescription to ensure safety, making this action secondary and less effective.