Question

A client expresses a desire to breastfeed her preterm infant who is in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). How should the nurse respond?

A. Tell the client that this is not possible because the infant will be fed by gavage
B. Discourage the client because of the time and effort it will take to pump her breasts
C. Support the client's decision and explain that her infant may be unable to finish breastfeeding because of exhaustion
D. Explain to the client that breast milk is inadequate for a preterm infant because it does not contain all the necessary nutrients

Answer 1

The nurse should support the client's decision to breastfeed her preterm infant in the NICU by explaining the benefits and providing guidance on pumping breast milk.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should respond by supporting the client's decision to breastfeed her preterm infant in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Breastfeeding has many benefits for both the mother and the baby, including providing essential nutrients and antibodies that can boost the infant's immune system. Although the infant may not be able to finish breastfeeding due to exhaustion, the mother can still pump her breasts to provide breast milk for the baby through gavage feeding. It is important to encourage and support the client's desire to breastfeed as it can have positive effects on the health and development of the preterm infant.