A nurse is planning care for a newborn who is small for gestational age (SGA) Which of the following is the priority intervention the nurse should include in the newborn's plan of care?

Choice A rationale:

Instructing the client to wash their hands before breastfeeding helps prevent the transmission of infection to the breast and the baby.

Choice B rationale:

Teaching the client about proper latching-on techniques ensures effective breastfeeding, reduces the risk of nipple damage, and promotes comfort for both the client and the baby.

Choice C rationale:

Encouraging the client to alternate breastfeeding with formula feeding is not recommended for a client with mastitis. Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue often caused by bacterial infection, and continuing breastfeeding helps to clear the infection and maintain milk supply.

Choice D rationale:

Instructing the client to avoid using a breast pump is not necessary in this situation. Breastfeeding and pumping can continue to help drain the breast adequately, which is essential for resolving mastitis.

Choice E rationale:

Encouraging the client to allow their nipples to air dry after feedings helps promote healing and prevents further irritation to the nipples.

Choice A rationale:

Polyuria is not an adverse effect of epidural anesthesia. It is unrelated to this type of pain control.

Choice B rationale:

Hypertension is not an adverse effect of epidural anesthesia. Epidurals can actually cause a decrease in blood pressure due to vasodilation.

Choice C rationale:

This is the correct choice. Pruritus, or itching, is a common adverse effect of epidural anesthesia caused by the release of histamines from local anesthetics.

Choice D rationale:

Dry mouth is not an adverse effect of epidural anesthesia. Dry mouth is more commonly associated with general anesthesia or medications with anticholinergic effects.