The parents of a 28-week gestation neonate ask the nurse, “Why does he have to be fed through a tube in his mouth? What is the nurse’s best response?”
The baby’s sucking, swallowing, and breathing are not coordinated yet.
The baby’s stomach cannot digest formula at this time.
It allows us to accurately determine the baby’s intake since he is so small.
It helps to prevent thrush, an infection that could affect the baby’s mouth.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Preterm infants lack coordination for sucking, swallowing, and breathing until approximately 32-34 weeks' gestation. Gavage feeding prevents aspiration by bypassing the immature oral motor mechanisms required for safe oral feeding.
Choice B rationale
Preterm infants can digest milk due to functional gastrointestinal enzymes. Digestive immaturity relates more to delayed gastric emptying rather than the inability to process nutrients, which is managed with small frequent feeds.
Choice C rationale
Monitoring intake is crucial for growth and hydration, but gavage feeding primarily addresses feeding immaturity, not intake measurement. Accurate intake can be monitored through oral feeds with supplemental measurements.
Choice D rationale
Gavage feeding does not directly prevent thrush. Thrush prevention involves oral hygiene and immune support rather than feeding methods, as thrush may still occur regardless of tube feeding or oral intake.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["5"]
Explanation
Step 1 is (1000 mcg ÷ 200 mcg/tablet) = 5 tablets. The nurse should administer 5 tablets.
Correct Answer is ["C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Bottle feeding does not impact recovery from postpartum hemorrhage. Breastfeeding promotes oxytocin release, aiding uterine contractions to minimize bleeding risk, unlike bottle feeding, which has no therapeutic impact.
Choice B rationale
Aspirin is contraindicated postpartum as it increases bleeding risk due to its antiplatelet effects. Analgesic alternatives like acetaminophen are preferred for pain relief in hemorrhage recovery settings.
Choice C rationale
Frequent fundal assessments monitor for uterine atony, a leading hemorrhage cause. Ensuring the uterus remains firm and contracted is critical in preventing recurrent excessive blood loss postpartum.
Choice D rationale
A CBC after six hours checks hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet levels, identifying ongoing bleeding or anemia. Timely lab evaluation ensures appropriate interventions like transfusions or iron supplementation.
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