Question 1
A nurse is caring for an infant who has gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide to the parents?
- A. Place the infant in a prone position after feedings.
- B. Burp the infant frequently during feedings.
- C. Feed the infant immediately before bedtime.
- D. Give the infant small, frequent feedings.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — Give the infant small, frequent feedings.
The correct answer is D: "Give the infant small, frequent feedings." This instruction is important for infants with gastroesophageal reflux (GER) because smaller, more frequent feedings can help reduce the amount of stomach contents that may reflux back up into the esophagus. Feeding the infant large meals can lead to increased gastric pressure and exacerbate symptoms of GER. Options A, B, and C are incorrect. Placing the infant in a prone position after feedings can increase the risk of aspiration and is not recommended due to the association with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Burping the infant frequently during feedings can help reduce gas but may not directly address GER symptoms. Feeding the infant immediately before bedtime can worsen GER symptoms due to the infant lying down, leading to increased reflux. Therefore, the best instruction for parents of an infant with GER is to give the infant small, frequent feedings to help manage the condition effectively.