Question

The nurse assures a breastfeeding mother that one way she will know that her infant is getting an adequate supply of breast milk is if the infant gains weight. What behavior does the infant exhibit if an adequate amount of milk is being ingested?

1. Has several firm stools daily

2. Voids six or more times a day

3. Spits out a pacifier when offered

4. Awakens to feed about every four hours (Nugent 329)
Nugent, Patricia M. Mosby's Review Questions for the NCLEX-RN® Examination, 7th Edition. Mosby, 2011. VitalBook file.

Answer 1

2. Voids six or more times a day.

Adequate infant milk intake is indicated by regular weight gain and voiding six or more times a day, pointing to satisfactory hydration and nutrition from breastfeeding.

Step-by-step explanation:

One clear sign that an infant is receiving an adequate amount of breast milk is if the child is gaining weight appropriately. Furthermore, a behavior indicating that an infant is getting enough milk includes voiding six or more times a day, as this signals adequate hydration and milk intake. It's important to note that a well-fed infant will not only gain weight but will also exhibit normal elimination patterns including several wet diapers.

In the early weeks postpartum, it is normal for a newborn to lose a small percentage of their birth weight; however, they should begin to gain weight steadily after this initial drop. To illustrate, a healthy neonate should start to gain up to 20 g (0.7 oz) per day after the first week. Furthermore, breastfeeding naturally adjusts to the growing needs of the infant, ensuring they receive both foremilk and hindmilk which respectively quench thirst and satisfy hunger.