Question

A nurse is caring for a client who is postpartum and breastfeeding. The client asks the nurse about the effects that taking over-the-counter drugs will have on her newborn. Which of the following should the nurse consider when recommending a drug for the client?

1) The newborn's weight
2) How much breast milk the newborn consumes each day
3) Whether or not the benefits to the client outweigh the risks to the newborn
4) The properties of the drug
5) The route of administration of the drug

Answer 1

When recommending over-the-counter drugs to breastfeeding postpartum clients, nurses need to consider factors such as the newborn's weight, breast milk intake, drug properties, risks versus benefits, and drug administration routes.

Step-by-step explanation:

When recommending an over-the-counter drug for a client who is breastfeeding postpartum, the nurse should consider the following factors: the newborn's weight, how much breast milk the newborn consumes each day, whether the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the newborn, the properties of the drug, and the route of administration of the drug.

Newborns are particularly susceptible to substances passed through breast milk due to their immature organs and bodily functions. Therefore, when a breastfeeding postpartum client asks about the effects of taking over-the-counter drugs on her newborn, the nurse should carefully assess the drug in question, taking into account its potential impact on the baby as well as the necessity of the medication for the mother's health.