Low Risk Neonatal Nurse Exam Newborn Nutrition & Breastfeeding Support Flashcards

Which is the most reliable indicator that a breastfeeding newborn is receiving adequate milk intake?

Answer: 6–8 wet diapers per day after day 4

Six to eight wet diapers daily after the fourth day of life indicates adequate hydration and milk transfer in a breastfed newborn.

What is the recommended feeding frequency for a healthy term breastfed newborn in the first weeks of life?

Answer: 8–12 times per 24 hours on demand

Healthy term newborns should breastfeed 8–12 times in 24 hours on demand to establish milk supply and meet caloric needs.

A nurse observes a newborn with a shallow latch during breastfeeding. Which action is the priority?

Answer: Assist the mother to reposition and achieve a deeper latch

Correcting latch depth is the priority because a shallow latch causes nipple pain and ineffective milk transfer.

Which finding in a 3-day-old newborn requires further evaluation before attributing weight loss to normal physiologic changes?

Answer: Weight loss greater than 10% of birth weight

Weight loss exceeding 10% of birth weight warrants evaluation for inadequate feeding, dehydration, or an underlying pathology.

When is iron-fortified infant formula the appropriate choice for a newborn?

Answer: When the mother chooses not to breastfeed or cannot breastfeed

Iron-fortified formula is the appropriate alternative when breastfeeding is not possible or not chosen by the mother.

Which maternal condition is a contraindication to breastfeeding in the United States?

Answer: HIV-positive status

In the US, HIV-positive mothers are advised not to breastfeed because HIV can be transmitted through breast milk.