Maternal Newborn Nursing Test Breastfeeding and Infant Nutrition 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which finding indicates effective breastfeeding in a 4-day-old newborn?
- Audible swallowing during feeds and 6–8 wet diapers per day (Correct answer)
- Only 2 wet diapers in 24 hours
- Newborn sleeping more than 5 hours between feeds
- Persistent weight loss beyond 10% of birth weight
Correct answer: Audible swallowing during feeds and 6–8 wet diapers per day
Effective breastfeeding is confirmed by audible swallowing, appropriate weight trajectory, and sufficient wet and soiled diapers (6–8 wets/day by day 4).
Question 2: A breastfeeding mother at 2 weeks postpartum develops a tender, red, wedge-shaped area on the right breast with a temperature of 38.9°C (102°F). Which condition does the nurse suspect?
- Mastitis (Correct answer)
- Breast engorgement
- Breast abscess
- Plugged milk duct
Correct answer: Mastitis
Mastitis is characterized by a painful, red, wedge-shaped breast area with systemic symptoms (fever, flu-like symptoms) and most commonly occurs in the second to fourth week postpartum.
Question 3: A mother with mastitis asks if she should stop breastfeeding. What is the correct nursing response?
- Continue breastfeeding or pumping frequently — stopping can worsen infection and lead to abscess formation (Correct answer)
- Stop breastfeeding immediately to rest the breast
- Breastfeed only on the unaffected side
- Discontinue breastfeeding and start formula feeding
Correct answer: Continue breastfeeding or pumping frequently — stopping can worsen infection and lead to abscess formation
Continued, frequent milk removal is essential during mastitis to prevent worsening infection and abscess formation; antibiotics treat the infection while breastfeeding continues.
Question 4: At what age should solid foods be introduced for a formula-fed or breastfed infant according to current guidelines?
- Around 6 months of age, when the infant shows developmental readiness (Correct answer)
- 4 months of age regardless of readiness
- 3 months, starting with rice cereal in the bottle
- 8 months of age to maximize gut maturity
Correct answer: Around 6 months of age, when the infant shows developmental readiness
Both the AAP and WHO recommend introducing solid foods around 6 months when the infant can sit with minimal support, has lost the tongue-thrust reflex, and shows interest in food.
Question 5: Which vitamin supplement is recommended for all exclusively breastfed infants shortly after birth?
- Vitamin D 400 IU daily (Correct answer)
- Vitamin C 100 mg daily
- Iron 1 mg/kg/day
- Vitamin B12 supplement
Correct answer: Vitamin D 400 IU daily
Breast milk is low in vitamin D; the AAP recommends 400 IU/day of vitamin D supplementation for all breastfed infants starting within the first few days of life.
Question 6: A formula-fed newborn at 2 weeks is taking 2 oz every 3 hours. The mother asks if this is adequate. What is the appropriate nursing response?
- Yes, this is consistent with expected intake of approximately 2–3 oz every 3–4 hours for a 2-week-old (Correct answer)
- No, the newborn should be taking at least 6 oz per feeding
- The newborn needs to be on a strict 4-hour feeding schedule
- Reduce feedings to 4 times per day to prevent overfeeding
Correct answer: Yes, this is consistent with expected intake of approximately 2–3 oz every 3–4 hours for a 2-week-old
A formula-fed newborn at 2 weeks typically takes 2–3 oz every 3–4 hours; feeding on demand and watching for satiety cues prevents overfeeding.
