A nurse in a clinic is caring for an adolescent client who is at 24 weeks of gestation and showing signs of preeclampsia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A reason: Supplementing breastfeedings with water every 12 hours is not advised for newborns, as breast milk provides complete hydration and nutrition. Water can reduce milk intake, decreasing supply due to reduced demand. It risks electrolyte imbalances, like hyponatremia, in infants with immature kidneys. Exclusive breastfeeding for six months supports optimal growth, immune function, and maternal-infant bonding, making this recommendation inappropriate.
Choice B reason: Offering the breast at hunger cues, such as rooting or hand-sucking, supports demand-driven breastfeeding, which stimulates prolactin and oxytocin for milk production. This ensures adequate supply, promotes healthy weight gain, and aligns with the infant’s natural feeding rhythm. It prevents over- or under-feeding, fostering neonatal development and strengthening the maternal-infant bond, making this the correct advice.
Choice C reason: Limiting feeding to 10 minutes per breast can prevent adequate hindmilk transfer, which is high in fat and calories, essential for growth. Short sessions may reduce milk supply due to insufficient stimulation. Infants need variable feeding times to meet nutritional needs. This restriction risks poor weight gain and inadequate nutrition, indicating it’s not a suitable recommendation.
Choice D reason: Starting each feeding with the same breast can cause imbalanced milk production, as one breast may be understimulated, reducing overall supply. Alternating breasts ensures both are drained, supporting balanced lactation and preventing engorgement or mastitis. This practice maintains milk supply via prolactin release, making this advice incorrect for optimal breastfeeding.

Choice A reason: Removing a thermometer for use on another client risks cross-contamination, as C. difficile spores are highly transmissible. Dedicated equipment is required to prevent spread, so this action is incorrect and violates infection control protocols.
Choice B reason: Wearing a gown during care prevents C. difficile spore transmission via contact, a key precaution for this infection. This aligns with CDC contact isolation guidelines, protecting staff and other patients, making it the correct action.
Choice C reason: Washing hands with alcohol-based cleaner is ineffective against C. difficile spores, which require soap and water to physically remove them. This action is incorrect and inadequate for infection control in this scenario.
Choice D reason: Wearing an N95 respirator is unnecessary, as C. difficile is not airborne. Contact precautions (gown, gloves) suffice, so this action is incorrect and overprotective, wasting resources without addressing the transmission mode.