A nurse is caring for a 24-week-old infant whose mother requests additional information about sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Choice A rationale

Feeding an infant with spina bifida through an NG tube may not be necessary unless the child has specific feeding difficulties or other health issues. Spina bifida does not typically affect a child’s ability to eat or swallow.

Choice B rationale

Placing an infant with spina bifida in a prone position can help protect and care for the lesion on their back. It can also help prevent pressure sores and promote comfort.

Choice C rationale

Covering the infant’s lesion with a dry cloth is not typically recommended. The lesion should be kept clean and moist to promote healing and prevent infection.

Choice D rationale

While physical therapy and exercises can be beneficial for children with spina bifida, performing range-of-motion exercises to the infant’s hips may not be necessary unless specifically recommended by a healthcare provider.

Choice A rationale

The carotid pulse is not the most reliable location to check an infant’s pulse because it can be difficult to locate and can cause discomfort to the infant.

Choice B rationale

The dorsalis pedis pulse is not the most reliable location to check an infant’s pulse because it can be difficult to locate in small infants.

Choice C rationale

The temporal pulse is not the most reliable location to check an infant’s pulse because it can be affected by external factors such as temperature and can be difficult to locate in small infants.

Choice D rationale

The apical pulse is the most reliable location to check an infant’s pulse. It is located at the apex of the heart and can be easily heard using a stethoscope. It provides the most accurate assessment of the heart rate.