A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client about laboratory testing during pregnancy. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

(a) "Wear an underwire bra between feedings."
Wearing an underwire bra between feedings can compress breast tissue and impede milk flow, increasing the risk of mastitis. This recommendation is incorrect and could contribute to the development of mastitis rather than preventing it.

(b) "You should use a breast pump if you plan to return to work."
Regularly expressing breast milk with a breast pump, especially if planning to return to work, helps maintain milk supply and prevents engorgement, which can lead to mastitis. This recommendation encourages appropriate breastfeeding practices to prevent mastitis.

(c) "Wash your nipples with soap and water daily."
While maintaining good breast hygiene is important, excessive washing with soap and water can strip the nipples of natural oils and increase the risk of dryness and cracking, which may predispose to mastitis. This recommendation is not the most effective strategy for preventing mastitis.

(d) "Cover your breasts immediately after feedings."
Covering the breasts immediately after feedings may trap moisture and promote bacterial growth, increasing the risk of mastitis. It is important to allow the breasts to air dry after feedings to prevent moisture buildup and promote healing of any cracked nipples. This recommendation is not appropriate for preventing mastitis.

(A) Ask a parent to state the newborn's date of birth:
While asking a parent to state the newborn's date of birth may seem like a reasonable step, it relies on the parent's memory and verbal confirmation, which may not always be accurate. It's possible for a parent to forget or provide incorrect information, leading to potential identification errors.

(B) Check the newborn's footprint sheet with the medical record:
Footprint identification is a common practice in hospitals, but it may not always be feasible or practical during routine newborn transport to parents. Additionally, relying solely on footprints for identification may not be as reliable as comparing identification bands, as footprints can smudge or be difficult to match accurately.

(C) Request a parent to verify the newborn's name:
Asking a parent to verify the newborn's name relies on verbal confirmation, similar to option A. While it may provide some level of reassurance, it is not as reliable as comparing identification bands to confirm identity. Additionally, newborns may not yet have been formally named at the time of transport.

(D) Compare numbers on the newborn's band to the parent's band:
Comparing the identification numbers on the newborn's identification band with those on the parent's identification band is the most reliable method to confirm the newborn's identity. This process ensures that the newborn is matched with the correct parent(s) before handing over the infant. It helps prevent instances of newborn mix-up or abduction.