Question

A parent brings the 2-week-old newborn to the office because the infant has been experiencing gastroesophageal reflux over the past week. Which intervention(s) should the nurse recommend to the parent at this point? Select all that apply.

a. Feed the infant a formula thickened with rice cereal.
b. Consult the heath care provider regarding having botulinum toxin injected into the lower esophageal sphincter.
c. Keep the infant upright in an infant chair/car seat for 30 minutes after feeding.
d. Feed the infant while holding the infant in an upright position.
e. If breastfeeding, switch to feeding the infant formula.
f. Consult a pediatric surgeon regarding having a myotomy procedure performed.

Answer 1

For a 2-week-old newborn with gastroesophageal reflux, it is recommended to thicken formula with rice cereal, keep the baby upright after feedings, and feed in an upright position. Options such as botox injections, surgery, or switching exclusively to formula are not typical first steps and should be considered only with a healthcare provider's advice.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question concerns a 2-week-old newborn experiencing gastroesophageal reflux. The interventions a nurse should recommend to a parent include feeding the infant a formula thickened with rice cereal (a), keeping the infant upright in an infant chair/car seat for 30 minutes after feeding (c), and feeding the infant while holding the infant in an upright position (d).

These steps can help to reduce the symptoms of reflux in an infant. The option of botulinum toxin injections (b), switching exclusively to formula if the mother is breastfeeding (e), and consulting a pediatric surgeon regarding a myotomy (f) are not first-line interventions for this condition at such an early stage unless recommended by a healthcare provider based on specific circumstances.