Question

An infant is diagnosed with pyloric stenosis. While observing the parents interacting with the child, the nurse notes that the parents are becoming frustrated because they are having difficulty feeding their infant. The nurse identifies a nursing diagnosis of risk for impaired parents r/t frustration & difficulty feeding their infant. What would be appropriate for the nurse to include in the plan of care?

a) Arrange for a lactation consultant to assist with breastfeeding.
b) Provide information about alternative feeding methods.
c) Encourage the parents to force-feed the infant if necessary.
d) Advise the parents to withhold feeding until the infant stops crying.

Answer 1

For an infant diagnosed with pyloric stenosis, the nurse should assist by informing parents about alternative feeding methods to reduce frustration and promote easier feeding routines.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a child is diagnosed with pyloric stenosis, parents can become frustrated due to the difficulty of feeding. To support these parents, the nurse's plan of care should involve options that promote successful feeding routines without causing additional stress for both the infant and the parents.

Among the available choices, the most appropriate action would be to provide information about alternative feeding methods. These methods may include using specialized bottles or techniques that can help alleviate the feeding difficulties associated with pyloric stenosis. Consulting with a lactation specialist may also be beneficial, but it specifically caters to breastfeeding rather than addressing bottle feeding or other concerns that might be relevant. Force-feeding an infant, or withholding food until an infant stops crying, are not safe or recommended practices and can cause physical harm and additional emotional stress.